Obituary of Ralph Frank Moceo

Ralph Frank Moceo August 20, 1935 - May 10, 2018 Resident of Aptos Ralph Frank Moceo, known for his love of family, friends, cars and Italian cooking, died on May 10, 2018. He was 82. Ralph was born August 20, 1935, in San Jose, California. The son of Edward and Jean Moceo, he grew up in Santa Cruz, where he attended Holy Cross School. He graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory and Santa Clara University, where he made lifelong friends. At the age of 27, Ralph became President of E.V. Moceo, Co. Inc., his family's packing and shipping produce business, after his father's unexpected death. To his many friends, who enjoyed legendary meals at his artistic home, Ralph was a creative chef, convivial entertainer and catalyst for fun. He was generous and gracious to people from every walk of life. Holidays were always enjoyed with his family. As founder of the Mostaccioli Club, Ralph shared his love of Italian food with close friends. With natural rapport, he made sure his dinner guests savored feasts of pasta, seasonal vegetables, olive oil, red wine, and homemade cucidati or cannoli. Ralph will best be remembered as a man with an engaging smile, youthful energy, and fabulous style. He truly epitomized La Dolce Vita. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. Ralph is survived by his sister, Franca Ghielmetti; nephew, Jeff (Cindy) Ghielmetti; nieces, Edie (Scott) Givens and Jena Yankovich; grandnephews, Greg Givens and Nico Yankovich; grandnieces, Christina Ghielmetti, Gina Givens, Victoria Ghielmetti, and Olivia Yankovich; and his loving partner, Carol Anglin. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, May 21, at 1:30 pm at Bellarmine College Preparatory, Leontyne Chapel, 960 W Hedding St., San Jose, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome in his name to Hospice of Santa Cruz County.