Ralph Joseph Pretus Jr.

Ralph Joseph Pretus, Jr., age 73, of Mandeville, LA passed away quietly on Thursday, October 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He will be sorely missed by loving wife, Lisa Clark Pretus; his children Elizabeth “Lisa” Pretus Ebarb (Brian), Jonathan Pretus (Julia), and Brian Pretus (Catherine); his stepchildren Ray James “Trey” Guepet (Christy), and Melanie Barry; his grandchildren Camille Ebarb, Adam Ebarb, Rori Johnson, and Leo Pretus; his step-grandchildren Ellen Guepet, James Guepet, and Matthew Guepet; his nephew Michael W. Long (Debra); his grand-niece Katie Long and grandnephew William Long; his dog Sadie; and countless other relatives and friends. Ralph is preceded in death by his mother Hersilie France Pretus, his father Ralph Joseph Pretus, Sr., his sister Deidre Pretus Long (William), and his dog Millie.

Born March 17, 1951, Ralph was a New Orleans native and grew up in Gentilly. He attended St. Raphael Catholic Church and elementary school and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. He married Kim McIntosh in 1976, and they were together for over 33 years. In 2014, he married Lisa Clark, and they were together until his passing.

Family was everything to Ralph, and he worked hard his entire life to provide for his family. Growing up, he always had a job ranging from a bicycle paper route to working in the meat department at Ferrara’s Grocery Store. After high school, he spent 35 years at Crescent Materials Service, Inc., serving as Vice President and Credit Manager. Later, Ralph opened All American Building Materials and ran his own business until he retired.

Ralph enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, listening to music, playing pool, swimming, and telling jokes. No matter what the situation, he could find a way to make anyone laugh. At the same time, he was genuinely warm, loving, and fiercely protective of his family and friends. His love and, loyalty, and laughter will be forever remembered and celebrated by his family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial service to honor Ralph’s life at Grace Funeral Home, 450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA 70433 on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 12:00 PM with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM.

Burial will take place privately at a later date in St. Louis #3 Cemetery, New Orleans.

Fond memories can be shared with the Pretus Family at www.gracenorthshore.com.