Obituary of Ralph Peduto

In the afternoon of May 12, 2014, surrounded by his family, Ralph Peduto, 72, passed away 12 days after being diagnosed with leukemia. Ralph Peduto, a 40-year resident of Santa Cruz California, was born in Jersey City, New Jersey March 9, 1942. He was the oldest of three children of James and Helen Peduto. As a child Ralph was part of a rich and textured life in Jersey City. He attended both Ferris High School and Dickinson High School where in 2000 he was inducted into Dickinson's Hall of Fame for achievement in performing arts. Ralph was an integral part of his family's many businesses including Sid's Sweet Shoppe and the Musical Bar, which he turned into a popular nightclub in the 60's. He served in the US Army stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War and then attended Rutgers University. He followed and succeeded in his dream to pursue acting as a career, working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. He was in over 40 commercials and 100 movies and television shows. During this time he also wrote many songs, plays, screenplays, musicals and a novel. For the last 20 years he produced, directed and acted in many original performances and has taught hundreds of students the craft of acting on camera. Ralph was an active board member of Community TV of Santa Cruz and Your Future is Our Business. Ralph was a life long learner. He joyously lived a passionate and artistic lifestyle. He was an artist, mentor, student of a compassionate life, composer of music, master of the written word and all things family. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years Laura Peduto, son Maro Peduto, daughter Oceanna Ceja, son-in-law Elias Ceja and six grandchildren, Roman Ceja, Angelo Ceja, Marina Ceja, Stella Ceja, Elias Ceja II and Lorenzo Rafael Ceja. He is also survived by his two sisters, Irene Peduto and Amelia Peduto, nieces, nephews, cousins and many students and friends. The love of his family was of utmost importance to Ralph. Grateful for his success, he was aware and told us often that, "Success is sweeter if you have loved ones to share it with." A memorial service celebrating Ralph's life will be held 2 pm Sunday June 1, 2014 at Santa Cruz Memorial Oakwood Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz.