Ralph Scalise, Jr. of Fayetteville, Ga. passed away peacefully on March 15, 2013 after a long, courageous battle with multiple myeloma; he was 66 years old.
Ralph was born in Burbank, Calif. and enlisted in the Navy out of high school where he spent 3 tours of duty in Vietnam. After Vietnam he returned home and began work in the sheet metal industry where he spent 30 years designing and building air conditioning systems. He was fortunate to retire at age 50.
Ralph was preceded in death by his father Ralph Scalise, Sr.; mother Philomena Scalise; brothers Joseph Scalise, Frank Scalise and Alfred Scalise.
Ralph leaves behind his wife Sandi Scalise, his daughters Lisa Warren (Sean) Peachtree City, Ga., and Kristina Tessel (Jay) Chatsworth, Calif. He is also survived by his step-son Todd Berry (Cari), of Brea, Calif. step-daughters Casey Hall (Robbie), McDonough, Ga. and Lindsay Warnock (John), Fayetteville, Ga.; he also is survived by 12 grandchildren.
Ralph became a Christian in 2005 and his life was transformed. He became a strong Christian with a loving and servant spirit. He talked about the saving grace of Jesus and how his life was changed to those he met. Ralph always had a smile and positive outlook on life. He volunteered twice a week at the Real Life Center, a non-profit organization that supports families through a food pantry, clothes closet and individual counseling. He took his work at the food pantry seriously as his way of serving the Lord. He will be greatly missed at this organization.
Ralph enjoyed spending time with his family; he always had a joke or funny story to tell to get everyone laughing even during his battle with cancer. He was very skilled in remodeling and upgrading homes he lived in and those of his family. He loved to cook, especially Italian foods, which were his favorite.
Ralph was a member at Dogwood Church in Tyrone, Ga., where he will be greatly missed by his church family.
During his illness and treatments, Ralph was blessed by the love of family and friends. Our family wants to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to those who brought such joy, friendship and love to Ralph’s life.
A Celebration of life service was held at Dogwood Church on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 4 p.m. with a reception following. A private family burial took place at Westminster Memorial Park, Peachtree City, Ga.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Real Life Center, Tyrone, Ga. or Southwest Christian Care Hospice, Union City, Ga.
