Ralph Zumpano, Sr

Ralph Zumpano, Sr.,  musician, business executive  and family man, passed away peacefully at the age 92 on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Casa Del Mar, Kenosha.

Born in Kenosha on March 23, 1923, he was the son of Italian Immigrants parents, the late Luigi and Agnes (Covelli) Zumpano. Ralph attended local schools and graduated from Kenosha High School.

He proudly served his country as a Sargent specializing in artillery and marksmanship training in WWII starting on January 30, 1943 until his honorable discharge on February 14, 1946. He was also a mapmaker creating hand drawn elevation maps from aerial photos so generals could plan their strategies. He did not take things from the war as it was better not to be remembered with souvenirs but he did cherish and hold dear a photo of a map he made with generals around in it that appeared in the “Stars and Stripes” Magazine.

On April 22, 1944, in Kenosha, WI, he was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart; the beautiful and fun loving Mary Pascucci. They worked hard together raising three children and sharing in 46 years of marriage until she preceded him on death on October 22, 1990.

Mr. Zumpano worked every job imaginable he could to provide for his family.  He started at American Brass and then got in on the ground floor as G. Leblanc, USA, was developed in Kenosha.  Ralph was instrumental in developing processes to make this company the largest global family owned music business in the world.  He was fortunate to travel the world making friends wherever he went-friends that lasted a lifetime.  The most exciting part of his job was recognizing women in the workplace in key roles whether in manufacturing or executive roles and making sure they were treated with equality and importance.  In the 1940s this was radical thinking.  At the same time he made sure the employees who worked with him could be able to purchase a home; something very dear to his heart.  He loved people and put their needs first in business and personal life. After 54 years with LeBlanc, Ralph retired as Vice President of Manufacturing.

Ralph was a very successful man, even though his humility would never allow him to think so.  He always thought of himself as less as he did not have a formal education.  This is why he strived to put his kids in the best schools he could no matter what the personal sacrifices where-and there were many.

He prepared many homemade ravioli and pastas, playing an important role for the Zumpano Ristorante & Pizzeria in Burlington. Ralph’s family recipes served thousands and he would say, “The kings don’t eat any better!”  He loved making wine, sausage, pasta and hunting for the elusive mushroom.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, National Musicians Union, Musicians Local # 193 and the Italian American Society, where he was honored. For fun he played guitar in various combos and bands in the 40’s – 60’s.  Ralph’s talents were not only in music; he was an accomplished artist, especially with oils.

A wonderful and cherished time for Ralph was annually attending the horse races at Arlington Park with his entire family; memories will be held dear by his children and grandchildren. He had a grand band of friends that remained throughout his lifetime.  At 93 he was there saying goodbye to almost all of them. Everyone who he met him was touched by his ability to solve problems and have a sense of humor at the same time.  If ever there was a prince among men, Ralph was one. He was loved by his wife, family, relatives and friends.

He is survived by his children, Suzanne (Michael Gericke) Zumpano, Ralph Zumpano, Jr. and Thomas Zumpano along with his two special grandchildren, Olivia and Austin Gericke and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to Ralph’s parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Anthony Zumpano; his sister, Gilda Zabrowski and his half-brother, Frank Nicotera.