Ralph Anthony Marchetta, Sr.
January 16, 1937 — June 7, 2024
Scottsdale
Ralph Anthony Marchetta, Sr., age 87, died peacefully in his sleep on June 7, 2024 in Scottsdale, AZ. He was born in Chicago, IL on January 16, 1937 to Anthony and Rose Grecco Marchetta. He graduated from St. Mel High School in Chicago, and St. Mary’s University in Winona, MN. Additionally, he served his country in the Naval Reserve. He married his first wife Elizabeth Dunne on December 28, 1963 and they welcomed three children, Ralph Jr., Mark, and Amy, into their home. He began his career in education as a junior high school teacher and elementary school principal before working for Texaco for thirty five years in sales and marketing. They moved to Phoenix in 1981. He was a devoted father who was the rock of his family. He was passionate about family and friends and could always be counted on for finding the positive in difficult times, and for being loving and supportive. He loved woodworking, traveling, music, Westerns, pets, and always met others with an infectious smile. Quick to tell a joke and to enjoy one, his laugh always lit up the room. He is survived by his current wife Sheila; his three children Ralph Jr. and wife GinaMarie, Amy and husband Shawn, and Mark; four stepchildren Paul and wife Heike, MaryBeth and husband Tom, Tracy and husband Jon, Tim and wife Angelique; three grandchildren Matt, Kyle, and Shawn, fourteen step grandchildren Alex, Vincent, Gino, Liesel, Claire, Thomas, Brother Leo, Sheila, Kevin, Brendan, Jake, Harrison, Alessandra, and Julian; two great grandchildren Layla and Claire; and step great grandchildren Antonio, Joseph, Cecilia, Julia, Eloise, Shepherd, Lily, Lydia, and James as well as the extended Marchetta and Glielmi family in Italy. He is preceded in death by his mother Rose, his father Anthony, his sister Rita, and his first wife Elizabeth. The funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024 at Our Lady of Angels Church, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Mary’s Food Bank 2831 N. 31st Ave Phoenix, AZ 85009 or visit www.firstfoodbank.org.
