Ralph Moses

Ralph Moses, loving husband, father, grandfather, Temple and community leader, passed away on March 15. He was 83 years old.

Ralph was born in Berlin on December 4, 1927. He fled Nazi Germany in 1938 with his parents, Martin and Rosa Moses, and his older brother James. They came to Ventura, sponsored by his Uncle George Zander. He graduated from Ventura High School, and received his Bachelors Degree from UCLA. Ralph earned a degree in Optometry from UC Berkeley and opened his practice in Port Hueneme in 1952. He served area patients as an optometrist for more than 50 years.

In 1953, he met Marilyn, the love of his life, and they married the following year. Throughout his life, she provided him with a home, and he was devoted to her happiness. They had three children, Alan, Jerry, and Leonard. Ralph watched his family grow to include daughters-in-law Nancy, Bethany, and Karen, and grandchildren Marina, Ethan, Sam, and Ellie. Ralph enjoyed many wonderful occasions with his extended family and friends.

Throughout his life, Ralph was passionately involved in community. He was very active in civic life, serving on the Port Hueneme City Council, as President of the Port Hueneme Boys Club, and many other commissions, boards, and committees. He was honored as Port Hueneme Citizen of the Year in 1969.

Ralph found great joy in his life-long involvement at Temple Beth Torah, where his family was among the founding members. He sang in the choir, served a term as Temple President, taught Torah School for almost 60 years, and served as Cantor, leading the congregation in song and expressing his deep spirituality through his voice. He tutored hundreds of Bar and Bat Mitzvah students, significantly influencing and forming lasting connections with multiple generations.

The family would like to acknowledge the loving caregivers whose efforts brought Ralph peace and comfort, in particular Ricardo Andrade, Doctor Richard Rothschild, Doctor Jim Hornstein, and the staff of Livingston Hospice.

The most fitting memorial to Ralph would be to follow his example and work in support of our families and communities. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his honor should direct it to the Cantor Ralph Moses Memorial Fund at Temple Beth Torah.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Friday, March 18 at Temple Beth Torah, 7620 Foothill Rd., Ventura, where Rabbi Lisa Hochberg-Miller will officiate.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.tedmayrfuneralhome.com.