Ralph Pelaia

Ralph Francis Pelaia Jr. went peacefully to meet his Lord and Savior on January 23, 2025, at the age of 76, in Longview,TX. He was born in Peekskill, NY, to parents Ralph Francis Pelaia Sr.and his beloved mother, Lorelei Pelaia. Ralph was born a “blue baby” and became on of the youngest heart surgery patients in history. As a young child, he traveled the country and gave radio interviews to share his story. He was raised on the sunny beaches of South Florida and later attended high school in New Orleans, where he met his lifelong friend and godfather to his son Butch, Chris Nuwshag. He completed two years at Biscayne College before earring his law degree at Notre Dame while balancing life as a young husband and father of three. He achieved some of the highest credentials as an attorney and judge, and one of his most notable cases is still studied in universities across the country today. His most trusted and loyal friend, as well as law partner, Todd Tefteller, perfectly summed up Ralph when he said, “Your dad reminds me of Christopher Columbus, always setting sail for new horizon’s!” Ralph was an adventurer, an eternal optimist, and never let the sun set without making peace with the day. He often expressed that his life was a blessing and was deeply grateful for the opportunity to live it to the fullest. “I have no regrets,” he shared just two months before his health began to decline. Ralph is survived by his eldest son, Ralph Francis Pelaia III (Butch), His wife Ann Pelaia, their 14 children and five grandchildren; his daughter, Gina Christina Pelaia, her three children, and two grandchildren; his son, Anthony Stephen Pelaia, and his son; his daughter, Natalie Blair Pope, her husband, Steve Pope, and their two children; and his youngest son, Daniel David Pelaia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lorelei Pelaia, and his daughter-in-law Laura Brooks Pelaia. Ralph was always known as the life of the party and the brightest star in any room. His zest for life, generosity, and deep care for the most vulnerable left a lasting impact. He was our knight in shinning armor, a city on a hill, and a beacon of hope and light. Services for Ralph F. Pelaia Jr. will be held at Life Bridge Church on February 8, 2025, starting at 10 a.m. A most special thanks to all the independent caregivers, especially Kevin Green who stayed with dad the entire last 4 years of care, Choice Hospice, and the Memory Care staff at Parkview in Longview. Without these caring and compassionate individuals, his end-of-life care would not have been as respectful and dignified.

Ralph Pelaia

July 10, 1948 - January 23, 2025