Ralph Anthony Barrea was born in Seattle on December 27, 1930 to Leonardo and Carmela Barrea. He attended school locally, graduating from Cleveland High School in 1948 and the University of Washington with an Electrical Engineering degree in 1954. Ralph spent two years on active duty in the United States Army, graduated from the U.S. Army War College in 1977, and retired as a Colonel after serving the country for 30 years in the Army Reserves in various Command and Staff Positions in Engineer and Civil Affairs units. In his civilian life, Ralph was employed by The Boeing Company, supporting mainly military programs, including the Peace Shield, the Navy E-6A, and the E4B 747 Presidential Advanced Airborne Command Post. He retired from Boeing in 1995 after 40 years.
Ralph died peacefully at home on August 14, 2022.
Ralph is survived by Sharon, his wife of 61 years; daughter Michelle and her husband Steve, sons, Robert, Michael, and Kenneth; five grandchildren, Adam (Tina), Kyle (Meaghan), David (Tommy), Kristopher (Melissa), and Ashley, and seven great-grandchildren (Henry, Eme, Anni, Max, Dylyn, Savi, and River). He was predeceased by his parents, and his five siblings, Antoinette McLaughlin, Mary Merlino, Sue Pearce, Yolanda Griffin, and Leonard Barrea.
Ralph was lucky to be able to travel to various places with both the Army and Boeing, but his favorite trip was the time he spent with his immediate family visiting his parents' home and meeting his extended family in Tufara, Italy.
Ralph made his home in West Seattle and loved spending time in the yard tending his garden. He was especially proud of his Fig Trees.
Ralph will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery with military honors at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday September 1, 2022. Reception/Celebration of Life to immediately follow committal service; at Lake Wilderness Lodge, 22500 SE 248th St, Maple Valley, WA 98038.
Donations to Northwest Kidney Centers ( https://www.nwkidney.org/how-to-help/give/give-overview/ ) are appreciated in lieu of Flowers.