Ralph Cavallo

March 24, 1945 – February 7, 2026

Ralph Cavallo, the first recipient of the Key to the City of Upland, passed away on February 7, 2026, after a courageous 27‑year battle that included nine bouts of cancer. At the age of 80, he left this world with his family by his side.

Born in 1945 at Fordham Hospital in the Bronx, New York, Ralph spent his early years in the city before graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School. Shortly thereafter, his family moved west and settled in Covina, California.

Ralph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and trusted friend. In 1965, while working full time at Edison and nights at Covina Movie Theatre, he met the love of his life—a candy girl named Noreen, known affectionately as Noreena, Anna, or Momo. Their 60‑plus‑year marriage began on August 21, 1965, when they wed in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ralph was “bottom line” guy known for his determination and his unwavering commitment to getting things done. After attending Mt. San Antonio College for two years, he began a 36‑year career with Southern California Edison. He was hired as a Groundman and later became a journeyman lineman. In 1971, he transitioned to the General Office, beginning in the claims department. Over the next 18 years, Ralph continued to advance through the organization while earning several degrees, including his law degree.

One of his most significant contributions came when he led the merger of six divisions, including the law department, ultimately becoming department head. In 1990, he was promoted to Executive Vice President, overseeing more than 165 employees and a $65 million budget—a role he considered his dream job.

As Ralph often said, “Life has a strange way of throwing curveballs at you.” In March 1999, after years of weightlifting and ongoing back pain, he collapsed in a parking lot on his way to a physical therapy appointment. He soon learned that cancer had destroyed his C3 vertebra. Despite the diagnosis of multiple myeloma and being told he had one year to live, Ralph remained undeterred dancing at his son’s wedding just four months later. He retired at age 56.

Ralph’s professional accomplishments were significant, but his impact on the community was even greater. Beginning in the mid‑1970s, he devoted himself to youth organizations his first with the YMCA’s Adventure Club with his sons, then serving as a Hilltoppers player agent, coaching in AYSO, and spending 35 years with Upland National Little League, including 14 terms as President.

He led more than 30 community improvement projects, including the remodeling of two Little League snack bars, two artificial turf fields, the lights at Bob Hargis Field, the fundraising and construction of the Upland Veterans’ Monument, the expansion and conversion of the Upland Public Library’s East Patio into the Children’s Library, relocation and improvement of the Library bookstore, six basketball courts at Memorial Park, and the new Upland High School Sports field. He also oversaw the renovation of Memorial Park South “Rudy Muniz” Field, where Ralph Cavallo Road was later named in his honor.

Ralph was the Grand Marshall in the Upland Christmas Parade in 2019. He was a board member of many organizations; Upland Hilltoppers Girl’s Softball, Upland National Little League, Upland Library, Upland Veterans’ Monument, Upland Enhancement Foundation, Kiwanis Club and Coopers Museum to name a few.

Ralph’s devotion to family was his defining priority in his life. Whether attending the events of his children, grandchildren, or other relatives, he was faithfully present, always accompanied by Noreen. Through these gatherings, he formed meaningful connections with many families and friends, as his most notable gift was his remarkable ability to converse with people, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Noreen; his children, Gina, John, and Frank; his grandchildren, Trina, Michael, Italia, Libby, and Vito; and his sister Vivian.

Funeral services will be held at Fleur De Lis Chapel, 525 W. 18th street, in Upland on Saturday, February 28th, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. A reception to follow, along with overflow from the chapel, at Pioneer Jr. High Gymnasium.