Ralph Richard Russo

  May 30, 1947 – January 5, 2025

Ralph Richard Russo, a devoted son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, at the age of 77, after courageously facing a years-long illness.

Born on May 30, 1947, to James and Teresa Russo in Jersey City, New Jersey, Ralph spent his childhood in Carteret, New Jersey. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1965, where he discovered his lifelong passion for sports, especially baseball and basketball. This love continued throughout his life, and he created countless memories with friends and family as a season ticket holder to the 49ers, traveling cross country to attend Yankee games, and planning unforgettable trips to Pac-12 tournaments in Las Vegas. Music was another love of Ralph’s that was sparked during his youth, and he never missed an opportunity to sing along to the songs from the ’50s and ’60s, which shaped his early years. 

Ralph’s greatest blessing came when he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Susan Pribish. The two were married in 1973 and shared 51 years together, building a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to family.

Ralph attended Saint Peter’s University, earning a BA in European History in 1970. Following his education, he joined the National Guard and later attended ROTC school in Sea Girt, New Jersey, graduating in 1976 as a Second Lieutenant of the National Guard.

In the 1981, a job opportunity took Ralph and Susan to Colorado Springs, Colorado, though he remained a proud “Jersey Boy” at heart. He frequently returned to the East Coast to visit friends, savor his mother’s Italian cooking, and enjoy lively reunions and adventures with the Pribish and Robinson side of the family in Bay Head. While building his career, Ralph continued his education and in 1985 earned an MBA from Regis University. During this time, Ralph and Susan raised their young family, and he cherished his role as a father to Jessica and Richard.

As Ralph’s career flourished, he and Susan moved their family to Northern California in 1984, where he established himself as a technology executive, entrepreneur, and investor. He was fortunate enough to hold senior leadership roles at some of the most prominent tech companies of that time, including Allied Signal Corp., Bay Networks, and Nortel Networks. A career highlight Ralph was especially proud of was serving as Vice President of Worldwide Operations at Apple Inc. Even in retirement, Ralph stayed busy as the co-founder of Strategic Polymer Sciences in State College, PA, before fully retiring in 2012.

Ralph was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Denis Parish and the Knights of Malta. Ralph was generous with his blessings, serving as a board member for St. Peters University and Seton Medical Center as well as supporting numerous causes, including Wounded Warriors, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, among many others.

Above all, family was Ralph’s greatest joy and source of pride. He loved traveling the world with his family, focusing on food, culture, and creating lasting memories. Italy held a special place in his heart, where he delighted in touring museums and churches, savoring local cuisine, and sampling Italian wine. At home, Ralph cherished long family dinners, where he captivated loved ones with his stories—often sprinkled with tongue-in-cheek embellishments—about his many adventures.

In his later years, Ralph embraced his role as “Grandpa” to Maddison and Parker, and his eyes would light up whenever they entered the room. His warmth, humor, and love were unparalleled, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, James and Teresa Russo. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan (Pribish) Russo; his sister, Teresa Russo; his brother, Joseph Russo, and his wife Roseanne; his children, Jessica Russo and Richard Russo; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Russo; and his beloved granddaughters, Maddison and Parker. He also leaves behind a host of extended family and dear friends with whom he generously shared his life and adventures.

A Memorial Celebration of Ralph Russo’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 7th, at St. Denis Church in Menlo Park, CA, with a repast immediately following at the Palo Alto Country Club. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey.