Ralph Charles Folino (Raffaele Carmine Folino) died peacefully at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, BC Canada on July 12th, 2021 at the age of 85.
Ralph is survived by his wife Mary Elizabeth; children Bernard (Ellen), Marcus (Mercedes), Richard (Yien), and Gregory; grandchildren Gabrielle, Josephine, Kai, Paolo, Jett, Isabella, and Luca; and sister Maria DeMare. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents Nicolà Folino & MariAngela Parrotta; daughter Maria Carlotta, grandson Niccolo, brother Frank as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Ralph was born in June of 1936 in Albi, Calabria, Italy to Nicolà and MariAngela. He emigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1952 to meet his father who was preparing a new home for his family. After settling in, Ralph worked as a waiter at the Hotel Vancouver and attended school during the day. A life-long learner, Ralph studied at The Seminary of Christ the King from 1960 to 1966 and completed his teaching credentials at Seattle University in Seattle, WA in 1966. During this time, he met his future wife Mary Elizabeth (Mary Beth) Westervelt and upon her graduation they were married at Tucson, AZ in December 1967. The new couple moved to Coquitlam, BC and they raised their children surrounded by friends and family.
Ralph had a penchant for learning languages and this was his professional calling. He taught for 35 years at New Westminster Secondary School where he instructed French, English, Italian, Latin, Spanish and even some Math. He took special pride teaching English as a Second Language, in the evenings, to immigrants from all over the world. In retirement he continued teaching part-time, for another 15 years, at the Traditional Learning Academy in Coquitlam, BC. He frequently remarked at how much he enjoyed teaching at TLA where he also created a chess club to share yet another of his many pastimes.
Faith, Family, and his Community were very important to him. He spent his adult life volunteering in organizations including Catholic Community Services, various church and school committees, and with his wife he sponsored several Vietnamese immigrant families. As a member of All Saints Roman Catholic Church for over 52 years Ralph was a eucharistic minister, choir member, and taught Faith Formation for many years – including for over a decade with his nephew Dave. Ralph was taught to play the mandolin by his father, he loved to sing, enjoyed his large vegetable garden, and in his earlier years was an energetic dancing companion to his loving wife. In later years Ralph picked up the guitar and enjoyed playing late into the evening, often with family and friends. Ralph treasured his extended family, adored his grandchildren, and loved to visit the family cabin alongside a fast-running river in central BC. Following the traditions of his homeland, Ralph was a prolific winemaker and bartered many gallons with friends in return for their participation in building his log cabin in the woods. Ralph was articulate, passionate, and never backed down from a good-hearted exchange of opinions. He was outgoing, kind, generous and spent his life dedicated to both spiritual contemplation and to assisting others whenever possible.
A funeral is scheduled at 1100 am on Thursday, July 29th, 2021 at All Saints Roman Catholic Church in Coquitlam with a reception to follow at the Parish Hall. A visitation will be held for friends and family at Kearney Funeral Services Columbia-Bowell Chapel in New Westminster from 330 pm-5 pm on Wednesday, July 28th, 2021. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ralph’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Westminster Abbey (westminsterabbey.ca), Poor Clare Sisters (poorclare.org/mission) or Chalice (chalice.ca). The family would like to share special love and thanks to Dave & Dorothy DeMare, Marisa DeMare, Nick DeMare, and Nick Gentile for their support during his final months.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ralph Charles FOLINO June 25 1936 July 12 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique