Ralph Lavandera Jr.

Ralph grew up in West Tampa, attended school at St. Joseph, Questa Jr. High, and Jefferson High School. Ralph enjoyed most sports, but as a teenager, was most passionate about baseball and was a skilled player. He, his brother Joe, and friends, including Lou Panella, would play whenever they could, even without equipment. During these teenage years, he met and began dating Alice Guerra. Even when Ralph relocated to Odessa, Florida (just north of Tampa), the West Tampa community remained close to his heart.

As the eldest of three sons, Ralph had a sense of responsibility that developed into a great work ethic and a desire to succeed in business. He always worked whatever job he could and challenged himself to improve. In 1961, Ralph married his childhood sweetheart, Alice. Still wanting to pursue a better career, in 1962, Ralph volunteered to enlist in the army. He trained in Fort Gordon Georgia, spent two years stationed at Fort Huachuca Arizona, and spent another four years in the army reserves. During this time, Ralph began his training in the electrical field. He worked during the day and went to trade school in the evening, eventually earning his electrical journeyman’s license. He continued working during the day for an electrical contracting company and would moonlight other jobs in the evening, including as the house electrician for Tampa Jai Alai. He continued his electrical education and training and later earned his electrical contractor’s license. In 1977, Ralph and Alice opened Lavandera Electric Company, a venture that would be his legacy.

Ralph was an extremely hard worker, but he enjoyed so many activities outside of work. For years he enjoyed hunting and taking the family to the cabin in Ocala, then moved toward boating, fishing, lobstering in Key West and golfing. Spending time at the beach with his family was one of his great joys. Ralph especially loved Anna Maria Island and the family had so many wonderful memories at the family beach house, eating together, playing cards, boating, fishing, crabbing, going to get ice cream, and watching the sunset. Ralph was always active and never without a task.

Ralph was extremely proud of his Spanish heritage. He enjoyed sharing his extensive knowledge of his lineage. One of his life highlights was visiting Spain with his brother Hank to explore and research his family history. Ralph was a true wealth of knowledge.

A young West Tampa, Spanish boy from a humble upbringing became a successful businessman who always remembered his roots. Ralph was a kind, loving, generous man. He was known for his attention to detail, his work ethic and his leading personality. His family is so proud of him. We love you and will never forget you.

Ralph was proceeded in death by his father Ralph Lavandera Sr., his mother Sylvia, his brother Hank, his brother Joe, and his Uncle Joe Garcia. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Alice, son Ralph Lavandera III aka R.C., (Kim), daughter Deborah Martin, (Richard), grandchildren Nicholas Lavandera , Chloe Martin, and Hailey Martin.

A celebration of life for Ralph will be held at Centro Asturiano De Tampa, 1913 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 33602, Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 2:30.