Ralph Gracia

Ralph “Papabear” Gracia, 85, returned to be with his Lord and Savior on February 3, 2016. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God gave him and others that knew him peace. Ralph was born to the late Aldolfo & Benita Gracia in Houston, Texas on February 1, 1931. He was immersed in the Catholic community that would be his lifelong support from an early age. Ralph graduated from St. Anthony’s in Beaumont, TX. Enlisted in the Air Force after graduation and served four years, 3 of those years were served in Germany during the Korean War. After he was discharged, he went to Lamar University and received two Bachelor Degrees, one in Civil Engineering and one in Math. He furthered his eduation by obtaining two Masters Degree in Civil Engineering in 1976 from the University of Houston and a second Masters Degree in Math in 1995 from University of Houston. He had many passions in life, he worked in the field of Engineering as a Civil Engineer for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the Port of Houston for 50 years. He taught at Galveston College, College of the Mainland, Texas A&M University in Galveston, and in the Clear Creek Independent School District.

His passion and zeal for life kept him busy in many different activities; he was an active member of the VFW 6378 in Dickinson, the American Legion 0554 in League City, The Citizens Police Academy of League City, the M.U.D. Disctrict 13 Committee in League City. His hobbies included working out at the Y.M.C.A., the Hometown Heros Park in League City, and at the Dickinson Senior Program where he participated in Zumba, Jazzercise and running/walking in various 3Ks and 5Ks in League City and surrounding areas.

Ralph was blessed with a loving family, he married his best friend and loving wife Alice “Perez” Castillo on January 27, 1966 in Galveston, Texas. Ralph helped to raise his three sons and led them by example with patience, discipline and a humble and giving heart. He showed his family the world by taking them on trips to Saudi Arabia, Italy, France, England, Germany, Greece, the Phillipines, Japan, South Korea, Egypt, Kenya, Hawaii, California, Florida, New York, Washington D.C., and Mexico.

Ralph was an educator at heart. He was kind and soft spoken person that never met a stranger. He always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate that fact that he is at peace with his creator.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Alice; his sons Ralphy Quin, Ricky Philip, and Rocky Wayne; his daughters-in-law Carol, Carisa and Lisa; his grandchildren Siera, Caden, Chloe, Sara Marie, Rikki, Ayden, Ayana, Taylor & Ashley; and his brothers and sisters Aldolfo Jr., Pete, Rose, Robert, Joe, and Janie. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Johnny, Frank & Louis.

He will forever be our hero.

A visitation will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home on Monday, February 8, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. Ralph’s funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1612 E. Walker Street in League City, Texas at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 with interment to follow at Forest Park East Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a reception at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cargill Hall from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.