Ralph E. DeCesare, passed away on April 18, 2021.  He was born in Edgewood, Maryland on July 11, 1928.  A proud veteran who served in the U.S. Army and continued on with civil service for over 40 years at Edgewood Arsenal and Aberdeen Proving Ground.  Ralph loved his Baltimore Orioles, working crosswords, lottery scratchers, and spending time with his family.  Always a Marylander at heart, he never met a Virginia crab or crab cake that compared to the ones from his home state.

Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth A. DeCesare, and his grandsons, Michael Craver Shirley and Robert L. Shirley, III.  He is survived by his two daughters, Elizabeth Shirley (Lee) and Capitola Glica (Eddie); two grandchildren, Michele Shirley-Quantz (Jimmy) and Scott Paquette; seven great-grandchildren, Emily, Jamie, Caity (Evan), Robbie, Beth, Julia, and Katie; two great-great-grandchildren, Ella and Ember; and we cannot forget his beloved furry companion, Odie.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s (www.stjude.org/), DAV (www.dav.org/), or the Peninsula SPCA (www.peninsulaspca.org/).  Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.