Ralph J Lamberti

January 23, 1944 - June 29, 2016

"In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possession and human success, but rather on how much we have loved." ~ St. John Of The Cross

Loving father and devoted husband, Ralph Joseph Lamberti, died Wednesday, June 29 following complications from a stroke that occurred weeks before. Ralph was surrounded by his family and dear friends throughout his hospitalization and passed peacefully in his sleep, with his devoted wife Martha at his side. A viewing and Rosary will be held on Friday, July 8th from 4:00-7:00 pm in the Chapel at Calvary Hill Funeral Home. Address: 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, Texas 75220. The Rosary will begin at 6pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Chapel of The Incarnation, University of Dallas campus on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 12:30 pm. Address: 1845 E. Northgate Drive, Irving ,TX 75062. Burial will immediately follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas.

Ralph, a native Texan, was born in Dallas to parents Lillian Alene and Robert Arthur Lamberti on January 23, 1944. He and his six younger siblings Jim, Bob, Katie, Ellen, Bill and Charlie grew up in Long Island, NY. Ralph often spoke of how growing up there in a large Italian American family helped to shape his views on family, his heritage and his faith. Ralph attended St. Bonaventure University before transferring back to Texas and attending the University of Dallas where he earned his Humanities degree.

Ralph met and married Beverly Wilma Mallery on January 30, 1965. Together, they moved to Irving, TX and began their family. Ralph and Beverly had six children: Alene (Ruth), Ralph, Maria, Joseph, Daniel and David. As devout Catholics, Ralph and Beverly spent many years raising their family and making many happy memories. After losing Beverly to cancer, Ralph married Martha Marie Lauve on June 28, 1980. Ralph and Martha had five children together: Monica, John, Angela, Anthony and Anne. Together, they raised their 11 children with an emphasis on faith, love, and the strength of family.

Ralph was always motivated not just to preach the Gospel to others, but to live it; to reach out in the Spirit of God’s love, to those who he felt needed it the most. Influenced by a Franciscan approach to the Gospel, Ralph was a humble servant to those he encountered. Beginning in his early years as a Field Agent with the Health Department, he would be faced with the difficult task of assisting those who had been ostracized and marginalized by society. He would later recount his experiences as being an opportunity to administer God’s Grace to those in need of it the most. He was an active member of the Buddy Program in Dallas, spending time and offering friendship to those who were afflicted with the AIDS virus. He never forgot the lessons learned during those days: how much can be gained with a kind word, giving a hug instead of a handshake, or allowing others the dignity of telling their own story. As anyone who knew Ralph can attest, those were lessons that he tried to pass on to his family and others.

Ralph also had a deep passion for Philosophy and possessed a life-long love of learning. This fervor and dedication soon led him to pursue a career in Education. Throughout his many years as an educator, he would profoundly influence and touch the lives of countless students. He respected his students and took joy in learning from them as well, challenging them to seek Truth and Wisdom above all else. He was beloved for his mischievous sense of humor and appreciation of it in others. He taught at St. Luke's school in Irving, TX, The Lady Margaret Roper School in Ft. Worth, Tarrant County Community College and The Highlands School in Irving, TX.

Following retirement, Ralph filled his days with many hobbies and interests. He was a very talented woodworker and spent countless hours in his workshop creating unique designs for himself and for family and friends. He and Martha loved watching local sports teams and volunteering in his community. He was a CCD leader at St. Luke's in Irving and was active in Bible Study programs at the Chapel of The Incarnation at the University of Dallas, where he and his wife Martha attended Mass. His idea of a perfect afternoon was a glass of his favorite wine, Martha by his side, Pavarotti “screaming” in the background, and a poolside BBQ or Italian dinner with as many family and friends as possible. His house was the gathering place for every occasion and he was always at the center of it - enjoying every moment. All were welcome and well fed. He made hospitality seem like a virtue, no one left his presence without feeling his warmth.

Ralph’s passing leaves his family with a void that will never be filled and an empty chair at the head of our Sunday Italian feasts, but we are strengthened with the knowledge that our family will be reunited in Paradise. We hold dear the many wonderful memories and moments we were so blessed to have had with him. Our beloved Ralph taught us all how much one person can love.

Ralph was preceded in death by his dear first wife Beverly, and his sons Anthony Michael and Daniel Christopher.

He is survived by his wife, Martha of Irving, TX. His children: Ruth, Ralph, Maria and husband Luis, Joseph and wife Julie, David and wife Rachel, Monica and husband Arthur, John, Angela, Anne and Fiancé Jason. He has 22 beautiful grandchildren and 2 great- grandchildren, along with many extended family and friends in whose memory his name will always be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, for those who feel so inclined, the family has asked that donations be made in Ralph's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.