Ralph M Isola M.D.

Prominent Eye Physician and Surgeon and native Sacramentan.

Our dearly beloved Ralph was born at Sutter General Hospital raised in Roseville. A graduate of Roseville High School. Entered the Army after graduating…during this time he was permanently disabled on maneuvers during the Battle of the Bulge. He was assigned as an Italian interpreter for the Italian Prisoners of War Medical Unit. At the end of World War II, he was assigned to the United Nations, at its formation, in San Francisco as part of the Army-Navy Coordination Group. He finished his service in the Medical Corps. A rewarding assignment, he decided he wanted to follow a career in medicine. He attended Sacramento City College and Sacramento State. He received his B.A. degree and a secondary teaching credential. After graduation he worked at McClellan AFB as a chemist until his acceptance into the Los Angeles College of Optometry. After graduation, he continued his education at UC Irvine Medical School where he earned his M.D. degree. While in medical school he worked part-time as an Optometrist for Kaiser in San Pedro. He completed an Internship and Residency at Los Angeles County Hospital specializing in Ophthalmology.

Returning to Sacramento in 1963 he opened his medical practice in the Medicus Building where the new Alex G. Spanos Heart and Vascular Center stands today, and later, moved his practice to 57th and J Streets. For 25 years, he volunteered as an Associate Professor of Surgery in Ophthalmology at UC Davis School of Medicine. Throughout his career, he received many awards and honors for his countless service to others. A humble man, he was most proud of the Gold Medal he received from the city of Lucca, Italy, a Province of Tuscany for his accomplishments as a first generation Italian-American.

Although his professional contributions were extraordinary, he will most be remembered for his gentle, kind, compassionate, caring and peaceful nature. His quick wit, enthusiasm for life, and his love for humankind was exceptional. He loved to learn, enjoyed new adventures and traveling the world. However, he was the happiest in his kitchen. He was a gourmet chef and in 1999, he traded his medical coat for his mother’s apron and turned his attention to cooking for the love of his life…his wife of 58 years. He is survived by his wife Dolly, son Ralph J Isola DDS, daughters Angela (Craig), Mariann (Phil), seven grandchildren and 3 nieces. Preceded in death by parents Angelo and Angelina, brother Lido and son Joseph. He will be deeply missed.

All our invited to attend viewing on Friday June 20 from 4pm-7pm, with a Rosary service at 7pm at St. Mary Catholic Church 1333-58th Street, Sacramento, CA 95819.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday June 21st at 11:00 am again at St. Mary Catholic Church. Interment to follow.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Society for the Blind, 1238 S Street, Sacramento, CA 95811 and/or the Mercy Foundation 3400 Data Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. Thank you.

Arrangements under the direction of Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, Sacramento, CA.