Ralph Paul Perriello Sr.

Ralph Paul Perriello, Sr., 82, of Naples, Florida passed away peacefully on November 7, 2021 at Avow Hospice in Naples surrounded by his family. He was born August 24, 1939 in New Kensington, Pennsylvania to his late parents, Dominick and Flora (nee Frezza) Perriello.

Ralph graduated from New Kensington High School in 1957 and attended Kiski Prep School in Saltsburg, PA the following year before enrolling in the University of Michigan in 1958. In 1963, Ralph transferred to Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI, where he played football and served as co-captain in his senior year. That same year, he earned Most Valuable Player under Coach Frank “Muddy” Waters. After earning his B.S. from Hillsdale, Ralph went on to earn his Master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. His career as a secondary educator and coach spanned 42 years, beginning in 1964 at Starr Commonwealth for Boys in Albion, MI. He then taught and coached at Ypsilanti High School from 1965-1978 where he had tremendous coaching success. Many of his athletes went on to play collegiate and professional football. From 1979-2006 Ralph taught at Lely High School in Naples, FL. He served as head football, baseball and tennis coach for many of his years at Lely. Ralph’s coaching career met with many successful seasons and “Coach of the Year” awards. After he stepped out of high school coaching he served as a local television commentator for the “Game of the Week”. Ralph’s leadership and coaching expertise contributed to a proud legacy of winning teams and served as an inspiration to four decades of students, colleagues, and friends. His greatest joy was family and football and his career in education.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Terry (nee Warman) Perriello of Naples, two children, Ralph P. Perriello, Jr. of Boca Raton, FL and Melissa (Don) Hunter of Naples. He is also survived by three stepchildren, Tim (Brenda) Church of Johnstown, OH, Tamre Church of Naples, and Chad (Melissa) Fogle of Riverview, FL. Ralph leaves behind ten grandchildren, Nicholas Perriello, Meredith Hunter, Olivia Hunter, Meghan Hunter, Joseph Church, Oliver Church, Madison Church, Tanner Fogle, Tyler Fogle and Taitlyn Fogle. He is also survived by one brother, Don (Arliss) Perriello of Athens, GA.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Dominick and Flora (nee Frezza/Fritz) Perriello and his beloved Nana, Teresa Frezza.

A memorial gathering will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens located at 525 111th Ave. N., Naples, FL 34108.