WHEREAS, Raffaele “Ralph” Scalise was born on December 4, 1948 in Calabria, Italy. It was there that he met his wife, Maria, whom he married in 1971; and
WHEREAS, Ralph and Maria migrated to Philadelphia shortly after their wedding. They had two children: Antonio and Brian; and
WHEREAS, Ralph worked diligently to provide for his family at Kurtz Construction Company in Philadelphia for over 20 years. While working as a roofing foreman, he specialized in metalwork to preserve historical preservation projects; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Scalise was an active member and volunteer of the Seven Dolors and St. Helena’s Church, as well as the Sons of Italy in America and the Democratic Party. He also volunteered for environmental conservation efforts with the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association; and
WHEREAS, Raffaele “Ralph” Scalise tragically passed away on February 9, 2001 after he suffered a fatal fall from a roof, while working at the corner of Ridge Avenue and Wigard Avenue; and
WHEREAS, Ralph Scalise is survived by his wife, Maria, his sons, Antonio and Brian, and his 4 grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Raffaele “Ralph” Scalise will forever be remembered as a loyal and dedicated member of his community, and a hard-working family man; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the dedicated service of Raffaele Scalise to Philadelphia and numerous local organizations is honored and the 7300 block of Ridge Avenue shall henceforth also be known as “Ralph Scalise Way.”
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Raffaele Scalise as evidence of the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End