Saratoga Developer and Long-Time Resident Passes After a Short Illness at 91 Years Old

RAMONA, Ralph Lewis, age 91, of Saratoga passed away suddenly Sunday, January 29, 2017 at Los Gatos El Camino Hospital after a brief illness. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School in 1943 and received his BS in Civil Engineering from Santa Clara University. For many years, Ralph was a member of the San Jose Elks Lodge for 59 years, active in the Italian-American Club, as well as being a member at Saratoga Country Club. After obtaining his degree, Ralph worked for Santa Clara County and was integral in the planning and development of the Valley’s highway system. After leaving public employment, Ralph started his own business, Ralph Ramona & Associates, where he proceeded to develop and build both residential and commercial properties throughout the Bay Area for many years. He also was an investor in several other businesses and joint ventures in commercial real estate, the Royal Courts Athletic Club and a large foods distributor. Ralph's talents were many; he was an avid Bay Area sports fan, a golfer and bowler, passionate about working out and fitness to the point where he continued a consistent workout regimen in the gym right up until his hospitalization, a beloved father, grandfather and friend who loved to dote on his grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents George and Marie (LaTorre). He is survived by his younger brother Joseph; sons Bryan, Steve, Matthew and his wife Cathy, and Andrew and his wife Stacy; daughter, Marianne; 3 grandsons, Kai and Dana Wetlesen and Andrew Ramona; 3 granddaughters, Annika, Alyssa and Madison Ramona and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, February 10, 2017 at Lincoln Glen Church, 2700 Booksin Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125, with nephew Gregg Ramona, an ordained minister, officiating. The family will be holding a celebration at Three Flames Restaurant, 1547 Meridian Ave. The family would prefer, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society in Ralph’s name.