Ralph W. Joseph

RALPH W. JOSEPH age 99, beloved husband for 70 years of Norma (nee Leanza); loving father of Rob (Lisa Gribbell), Brett (Martha), Ted (Val), and James; devoted grandfather of Nolan (Sayaka), Rowan, Caitlin (Devlin Geroski), Sionainn, Emily (Corbon Angermeier), Susan (Nate DiPietro) and great-grandfather of Mio Joseph, Willa and Pippa Angermeier; cherished son of the late Charles E. and Mary Elizabeth (nee Niles) Joseph; dearest brother of the late Marilyn Havemann, and brother-in-law of Dr. Raymond Leanza, and the late Dr. Victor F. Leanza (Fran); dear uncle and great-uncle of many. World War II U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. Retired Music Teacher from Mayfield City Schools and longtime professional musician.

Ralph was born on January 9th, 1927, in Lansing, Michigan. After losing his father at a young age, his widowed mother brought him and his younger sister to Cleveland, raising him through the years of the Great Depression. He graduated from Shaw High School where he began his life-long devotion to music. During his service with the U.S. Marine Corps, Ralph was assigned to Honolulu where he accepted an invitation to join the Marine Corp Band, contributing his talents as a trombone and euphonium player. Afterwards, he studied music at The Julliard School in New York, then toured and performed nationwide with popular Big Bands of the post-WWII era. After returning to Cleveland, he enrolled at Kent State University where he graduated with a master’s degree in music education. He was a wonderful music teacher and loved to spread the wonders of music, creating a legacy through his students for the next generation and beyond. As a professional trombone player, Ralph played shows in practically every State and at diverse local venues, including the former Front Row Theater, Blossom Music Center, the Cleveland Playhouse, Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Hermits Club, the former Music Carnival, and at times with the Cleveland Orchestra. He was an active member of the Cleveland Federation of Musicians, Local 4, the American Federation of Musicians, and numerous other professional music communities, including most recently The Cleveland TOPS (Tough Old Pros) Swing Band.

While he loved being a musician, he truly cherished spending time with his family. With his beautiful wife Normi at his side, he relished living on Lake Erie and spending vacation time in the woods at Treasure Lake, Pennsylvania, and near the beaches of sunny Florida. He found enjoyment sharing life’s simple pleasures with Normi, who was the love of his life. He enjoyed watching Indians games, building model airplanes, composing family photo albums, or giving away duplicate purchases he made as gifts. He had a passion for exploration, and was often out in nature boating as a member of Wildwood Yacht Club, scuba diving, camping, RV traveling, and documenting life’s journey through photography. When performing, Ralph enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow musicians, and he treated his cherished family to special traditions like 4th of July at Blossom, or annual spring gatherings at a vacation home in Bradenton Florida. Ralph will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul, unmistakably hip, but never seeking to be the center of attention. With grace and humility, he never missed an opportunity to extend a caring and calming presence to family and friends alike. He will be deeply missed by everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Ralph to the Cleveland Federation of Musicians Local 4 Relief Fund, 3631 Perkins Avenue, 4C North, Cleveland, 44114-4705 or Reserve Care Hospice.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Ralph at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) SUNDAY April 26, 2-6 PM. Celebration of Life Service Monday April 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM at THE FUNERAL HOME. Burial following with Military Honors at Knollwood Cemetery.