Ralph was a quiet, well-mannered man with a soft but sharp sense of humor—the kind of person everybody loved. He was a devoted Cleveland sports fan through it all, cheering on the Cavs, Guardians, and Browns. He built his career in the automotive industry, and cars were more than a job to him. Simple pleasures meant a lot to Ralph: a cup of hot coffee, a basket of good bread, or a steakhouse dinner. He loved to travel to visit family and friends in Chicago, New York City, Florida, and beyond.
Often the best-dressed man in the room, Ralph possessed an extensive collection of dress shirts that, to the average eye, looked the same, but to him were a form of self-expression. He could always be found in an ironed shirt, tailored pants, and with a pen in his pocket.
Ralph proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. His Jewish faith was an important and steady part of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his sons, Mark and Matthew; his daughter-in-law, Abigail; and his grandchildren, Ryan and his wife, Paige; Alyssa and her partner, Michael; Corinne and Charlie; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah and Hyman Wexler; and his sister, Ruth Kaplan.
Graveside services will be held Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Mt. Olive Cemetery, 27855 Aurora Road, Solon, OH 44139.
Family will receive friends and loved ones at the home of Mark and Abigail, 26620 Hendon Road, Beachwood, OH 44142, following Friday service from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ralph's honor to Reserve Care (formerly Hospice of the Western Reserve) at reserve-care.org or 800-707-8922.
