Ralph Moreno

Our beloved Ralph Gill Moreno passed away after struggling with a short illness early on Sept. 4, 2011, at the age of 83. Ralph was preceded in death by three grandsons and survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Lillian Moreno; their three children, Carol (husband Larry), Rod, Linda (husband Frank); nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Ralph was born into the "greatest generation" on Dec. 25, 1928 in Vacaville, CA, but spent most of his early years in Sunnyvale, along with his mother, Anna Gill, father, Antonio Moreno, and his six siblings, Joe, Isabel, Tony, Carmen, Manuel and Annie. He joined the Navy as a young man and was stationed in San Diego. A lover of all things beautiful, Ralph was a debonair Spanish man, from start to finish. He was Ralph to some, Ralphy to others, but one thing did not waiver, he was a self made man, owner of 14 grocery stores, and later in life, after retiring to Chico, owned a five acre almond orchard that he loved working. He took great pride in providing for his family, as their security and stability were of the utmost importance. One of Ralph's favorite pastimes was watching football (especially the Dallas Cowboys) with his son, grandsons, and his cherished wife, Lillian. He fancied himself a dynamic armchair commentator. Despite narrowly escaping death many times, Ralph maintained a healthy love for his Arabian horses. He loved nothing more than to be surrounded by the bounty that is his family. Known to many as a joval spirit, avid storyteller, and lover of life in its simplest form, Ralph's warmth and infectious positivity will be sorely missed. He is a man that embraced life in the moment. No regrets. His lust for life was both admirable and contagious. He had a knack for making everyone in the room feel like the most important person in the world. He was the first to be heard and seen at a party in a dapper suit, freshly quaffed hair, hearty laughter, and a walk that said, "I'm here, who may I corner first, to entertain, enlighten, advise...and what have you not. He often said, "I've lived the best life a man could have". There is no doubt Ralph is among us now, watching us, talking to us, laughing with us. A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Glen Oaks Memorial Park.