Ralph John Muraca

Dr. Ralph J. Muraca, of Rockville, Virginia passed away peacefully on September 23, 2022, at age 87, with his beloved wife Sandra Dunn Muraca at his side. Ralph was born in Dunmore, Pennsylvania to Frank and Florence Muraca on June 5, 1935. He graduated from Drexel University with a BS in Engineering. Ralph was employed as an aeronautical engineer by NASA, Langley in Hampton, Virginia and worked on several space related projects including the Aircraft Energy Efficiency program, the Space Station and the Space Shuttle program. Ralph received his master’s degree from University of Virginia in 1969 and his PhD. from Virginia Tech in 1971. In 1994, while Chief of the Aerospace Mechanical Systems Division of the Internal Operations Group, Ralph received the Exceptional Achievement Medal for significant contributions in support of the Space Station redesign. Ralph was a member of SES service when he retired later that year. Ralph’s intellect, his outgoing nature, and his dry wit made him popular with colleagues and acquaintances alike. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, his siblings; Theresa DeSandis, Angela Giardino, Frank Muraca, and Domenica Wowk, and his eldest child Ralph A. Muraca. He is survived by his compassionate wife Sandra, a sister Maria Carmella Mecca, his children; David Muraca (Amy), Lauren Morris, Linda Muraca, John Muraca (Sandy), and Charles Muraca, and his grandchildren Neil, Jessica, Lee, Frank, Harley, Walter, Charles Jr., Elena, Tyler, Isabel, and Rosemary. A public visitation for Ralph will be held on Monday, October 3, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Parklawn Wood Funeral Home, Hampton, VA, directly following will be a celebration of life service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. An interment to follow the service will occur Monday, October 3, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton, VA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The University of Virginia Cancer Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. https://uvahealth.com/locations/profile/emily-couric-clinical-cancer-center