Richard Allan Ralph, Esq.

Born on May 19, 1947 in Jersey City, Richard was the son of the late John E. and Helen E. (Smith) Ralph. He proudly served in active duty for three years as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army commencing on August 30, 1967. Soon after, he was deployed to Vietnam. He was charged with guarding the US Embassy when it came under attack during the infamous Tet offensive on January 31, 1968. With his Company decimated, he was re-assigned and transferred to Fort Shafter, Hawaii where he was promoted to Sergeant-E5. Following his honorable discharge, Richard began his career in law enforcement, with the Paramus Police Department in 1970. Richie’s heart was in patrol where he worked throughout his career as patrol officer, sergeant and lieutenant. He was a member of the department’s pistol team, a proponent of officer safety, and always there for his men. Rich retired in 1995 but was always available for advice, both legal and personal, to guys and gals with whom he worked, just not during Giants games.

While a patrolman, Rich entered Seton Hall School of Law as a night student where he received his Juris Doctorate degree. It was there that he met his future wife, Arlene F. Albino, Esq.. They were married their senior year on November 21, 1981 and graduated in 1982. He began practicing law on a part time basis in Paramus where the couple were residing but,in 1989, the family moved to Fredon, New Jersey and Rich opened his own law practice the following year at 97 Main Street, Newton. He remained working until his death on June 9, 2025. Rich served as Municipal Prosecutor in Stillwater Township for several years before being appointed Prosecutor in the Municipal Court of North Warren, where he continued working until his unexpected passing.

Rich was also a devoted Softball Coach and mentored generations of young athletes for over 25 years. He began working with club teams and eventually went on to coach at Ramapo College, Kittatinny Regional High School and finally Clifton High School. He retired from coaching in 2023.

Rich was a longtime parishioner at Christ Church in Newton where he served on the church vestry. He enjoyed riding his Harley, golfing, horseback riding, skiing, winemaking and weekends in Long Branch. He was a past member of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club- Chapter IX.

Rich leaves fond memories to his beloved wife, Arlene Albino Ralph; his two daughters, Rebecca Leue and her husband Oliver, and Abigail E. Ralph; his granddaughter, Emilia Mae Leue; and his two sisters, Linda Finnegan, and Susan Frost. Rich is predeceased by his parents John E. Ralph and Helen E. (Smith) Ralph.

A visitation for Richard will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton, NJ 07860. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 11:00 am at Christ Episcopal Church, 62 Main St, Newton, NJ 07860. A repast will follow at the Parish Hall.

Warm memories and condolences to the family may be offered below.