Ralph Charles Cordaro

Today we pause to honor a man whose life mattered deeply,

not because it was loud or perfect,

but because it was real, steady, and generous in spirit.

He showed us that strength does not always announce itself—

sometimes it lives in patience, in showing up,

in doing what needs to be done without asking for praise.

He carried responsibility with quiet resolve

and offered his care in practical, meaningful ways.

A problem to solve, a hand to lend, a moment to share—

he met each one with sincerity and heart.

His laughter, when it came, felt earned and genuine,

and his presence brought a sense of reassurance,

as though things would be okay simply because he was there.

He lived through challenges that shaped him,

learning resilience not from ease, but from experience.

Through it all, he remained true to himself,

valuing honesty, loyalty, and hard work.

Those lessons now remain with us,

woven into the lives of those he loved and guided.

Grief reminds us of how deeply he was woven into our days.

Though we no longer hear his voice or see his familiar smile,

his influence endures—in habits learned, in values shared,

in memories that surface when we least expect them.

With gratitude for the life, he lived

and love that does not end with goodbye,

we release him to rest,

carrying forward his spirit in how we care for one another,

and in how we choose to live with purpose, compassion, and grace.