Ralph Joseph Rahtz

Ralph Joseph Rahtz

Ralph Joseph Rahtz, 87, of Glendale CA passed away on April 11, 2011.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marjorie Lee and his children Chris and Linda Raitz of San Clemente, Joan and Jerry Gough of Miramar Breach, FL., Frank Rahtz and Anne Fleming of La Crescenta, Tim and Melinda Rahtz of La Crescenta, Beth and Bruce Kelly of Pensacola, FL. and Doris and Mike Gilchrist of Ventura CA. Ralph was preceded by the death of his son Steven Andrew Rahtz in 1994.

Ralph retired from Pacific Telephone after 32 years of service. During his retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife, visiting his 19 grandchildren and great grandchild, painting and playing golf.

Ralph was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and was a City Champion in tennis at the age of 17. After graduating from Purcell Marian High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and saw combat in the South Pacific during World War II. Ralph also was a Drill Sergeant at Paris Island, South Carolina and learned to fly airplanes during his time as a crew chief before his Honorable Discharge. In 1946, Ralph moved his family to Los Angeles and met his one true love. They married and moved to Glendale to raise a family.

Ralph was a member of Holy Redeemer Church and volunteered at Saint Francis High School. Ralph held many leadership positions in the community including the Boy Scouts of America, Crescenta Sports Association, and La Canada Gladiators Football which were closest to his heart.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2411 Montrose Avenue, Montrose, CA on Monday April 18, 2011 with Monsignor Jack Foley presiding at 10:00 A.M.

Interment will be at Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery, Oxnard, CA.

Cabot and Sons Funeral Home of Pasadena, CA. is assisting the family with arrangements. Please call John Cabot at (626) 793-7159 with any questions.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Alzheimer’s Associa