Ralph Cutro, 91 years of age, passed away at his home in Gold Canyon on Saturday, September 9th. He will be deeply missed by his wife, three children, four grandchildren, and extended family and friends.
Ralph was born and raised on “Thompson Street” in Greenwich Village, NY, an address that would aptly title his autobiographical novel. In 1949 Ralph enlisted in the Marines, attended boot camp and shipped directly to the front lines of North Korea. Returning home as a “Chosin Few” he sought out a new career and graduated St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, obtained a graduate degree from University of Madrid, and learned Spanish during the process. While vacationing in Majorca, Spain he would meet his future wife Lia (he should have focused on the German language). Ralph and Lia married in Germany, and eventually settled in Hazlet, NJ to raise their family. Ralph worked as a Guidance Counselor at Raritan High School and with his summers off, he focused on “bringing in his ship” with stock market analysis. When the ship docked, Ralph retired to Arizona because his back just couldn’t take any more of the New Jersey humidity.
In his spare time Ralph enjoyed traveling to Europe, the Jersey shore, and the Carolinas. He was a lifelong Yankee fan and an avid Notre Dame Football enthusiast, subscribing to Blue and Gold and joining Under the Dome fan forum. However, what he enjoyed most was Cutro Sunday gatherings where he could engage with his family whilst feasting on his favorites: ravioli, lasagna, and stuffed calamari. He especially liked birthday celebrations and always left enough space for “just another sliver” of the Carvel cake.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elisabeth (Lia); his children Alicia, Yuma, AZ; Christopher, Middletown, NJ; and Eva and her husband Robert, Gilbert, AZ., along with his grandchildren: Elisabeth Gevers, Matthew Gevers, Caroline Gevers, and Apollonia Setteducato.
A mass of Christian burial will be performed on Monday September 25th at 1:30 P.M. at Saint George Roman Catholic Church, 300 East 16th Ave, Apache Junction, Arizona.
