Ralph is survived by his daughter, Liz Valadez, son Rudy Pina, daughter Linda Aguirre and son-in-law Angel Aguirre, loving companion Marylou Aranda grandchildren, Andres Valadez, Mateo Valadez, Jerry Valadez Jr, Estefan Valadez, Mickaela Mejia, Ralph Pina, Rudy Pina Jr., Virginia Rodriguez, Angel Aguirre, Michael Aguirre and 23 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Ralph was a loving father, grandfather, companion and friend to everyone.
Ralph was born October 24, 1923 in Phoenix Arizona to parents George Rodriguez Pina and Anita Duran Pina. He is the 4th eldest child amongst 5 brothers and 1 sister.
His mother died when he was 11 years old and shortly after, his family moved to California and eventually settled in Visalia.
Ralph along with 3 of his brothers joined the military to serve in World War II. He was 19 years old and entered the branch of the Army on March 7, 1943. As a Merrill’s Marauder he was sent to the China India Burma Campaign where he fought in the jungles of Burma against the Japanese invaders. Not until later in life did he speak of his service in Burma. He once stated when their tour was over, his regiment entered relief camps, their clothes were tattered, soiled, they were unshaven, and worn from long battles, the observant troops cried as they walked though camp. Ralph has told many stories of his military experience to his children and grandchildren reflecting the perils of war. For his service he was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Purple Heart Medal for wounds sustained in Burma on July 28, 1944. Private First Class, Ralph D. Pina was Honorably Discharged on December 30, 1945.
He returned to civilian life in Visalia California where he met and married Virginia Rodriguez on April 4, 1948. They had 2 children Liz and Rudy in Visalia and moved to San Jose in 1953 and had their 3rd child Linda. After 42 years of marriage Virginia became ill and died in 1990 at age 62.
As many individuals during his time, he did not have an extensive education, but was hired as a laborer for Challenge Construction Company in the bay area, where he learned the trade of Carpenter. Through his job, he and his wife saved enough money to buy property in the East San Jose foothills on Ruby Avenue. And with the skills of a carpentry and help from friends he built his home that he lived in for almost 60 years.
Ralph enjoyed many things in life, fishing-even though he didn’t like to eat fish, camping, going to flea markets and yard sales-getting that bargain, and especially sports. As a young Ralph in San Jose he played baseball with the San Jose Merchants. He became actively involved with his son and grandson’s baseball teams training as a coach, active participant and fan. He was also an avid body builder, he was the father with all the muscles. As many people know, he never smoke or drank alcohol, he saw the results from people around him who did, especially family. He was a San Francisco Giant and San Francisco 49er faithful fan. He loved watching them on TV, and even more watching them with family. He was very fortunate to be able to attend some 49er games and a winning World Series in San Francisco. There is a paver at the new 49er stadium with his name and dedication-make sure you look for it when you visit.
Several years after my mothers passing Ralph developed a relationship with Marylou Aranda. They were together for 23 years. During those years she joined Ralph and his passions in life and provided a warm and loving companionship.
The biggest joy of Ralph’s life was his family. Attending those birthday parties, family reunions, weddings, baptisms, camping trips at Calaveras or Huntington Lake, family trips to Arizona, Grand Canyon, Washington DC, Guadalajada. Believe it or not his favorite trips were to Fresno where most of his children and grandchildren lived. Ralph love to talk, give advice and give help to them all. He always seemed the happiest when he was with his family. He greatly enjoyed his grandkids who he was able to see go into adulthood.
Ralph will be laid to rest on Tuesday, September 29th, 2020, at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery in Santa Clara. Gravesite services will be conducted with limited attendance. (Attendance is set-Due to Covid19)
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