Ralph James DeSantis

RALPH JAMES DeSANTIS, age 67. Beloved husband of Renee for 45 years. Loving father of Natalie Coyle (Seth), Bryan DeSantis (Amanda), and Marissa DeSantis (James Catullo). Devoted grandfather of Dylan and Chloe DeSantis. Cherished brother of Liz Lesczynski, Judith Gallitz, and William DeSantis (Jinx). Dear brother-in-law of Marilyn Hornsby (William) and Noreen Stone (Dennis). Dearest uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was a dedicated teacher at the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Elementary and Middle School for 30 years. He also coached eighth grade football and varsity basketball for the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Schools for nearly 40 years. "Coach D" finished his basketball coaching career at his Alma Mater, Cuyahoga Heights, alongside one of his former students and players. As a teacher, Ralph was responsible for developing the program that gave eighth grade students the opportunity to take a trip to Washington D.C., a program that still continues to this day. He felt fortunate to have taught and coached with the helpful guidance of mentors like Joe Vidini, Tony Niccoli, Bruce Lerch, and John Dauria. Some of Ralph's proudest moments included being nominated Educator of the Year in 1985, and his nomination into the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Gallery of Achievement in 2019.

Family and Friends will be received at St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, 8700 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141 on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 from 2-8 p.m. where Ralph's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at 11 a.m. (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Masks are required for all services. Interment will follow at Brecksville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph's memory to the St. Basil Liturgical Tribute Fund or the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Fund, c/o Sarah Hurder, 7525 Bristol Lane, Brecksville, Ohio 44141, would be appreciated.

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