Ralph Leon Cicurel

Ralph Leon Cicurel passed away peacefully at home in La Quinta, California, on November 19, 2020. He adored his wife of 61 years, Louise. He was blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Leslee, and a wonderful son- in- law, Troy. His two grandchildren, Aisha and Kenny, were each the apple of his eye.

Ralph was born in San Francisco on August 21, 1930, to Billy and Eleanor Cicurel. He grew up in San Francisco and attended Galileo High School, where he played basketball. Ralph was inducted into both the Galileo Hall of Fame and the North Beach/ Marina Hall of Fame. In 1949, Ralph succeeded his father in running hotel concessions at eight San Francisco hotels. He later owned and operated the St. Francis Hotel Theatre Tickets office until his retirement in 1990. Ralph served in the Coast Guard from 1951- 54. He married Louise, the love of his life, on December 29, 1957. They lived in Greenbrae, California, for 35 years, where they raised their two daughters.

Upon retiring, Ralph and Louise moved to PGA West in La Quinta because of their love of golf. A member of the Olympic Club for 77 years, Ralph’s highlights were five holes in one, as well as shooting his age on the Jack Nicklaus Tournament course at 72. In addition to being an avid golfer, Ralph always enjoyed dining and good wine and was a member of the Society of Bacchus, serving as its president from 1982- 83.

In 2000, Ralph had a heart attack while playing golf and was saved by good friend, Dr. Louis Geissberger, and his son Marc. He had the good fortune to live another 20 years. Ralph devoted himself to caring for Louise as her health declined. During his last year of life, Ralph was cared for at home by daughter, Leslee, along with his team of devoted caregivers. He enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, reading, watching movies, and snuggling with dogs, Bella and Dexter. He spent his last three weeks of life with his two daughters by his side.

Ralph thanked the Good Lord everyday for his life and for getting to see his grandchildren grow up. Ralph considered himself a lucky guy; those of us who knew and loved him recognize ourselves as the lucky ones.

Ralph is survived by his daughters, Leslee Cicurel and Lisa Cicurel- Jones; soninlaw Troy Jones; former son- in- law Karl Brown; grandchildren, Aisha and Kenny Jones; sister Carol Scott; niece Chrys Scott; great- niece Katy Livingston; namesake Ralph Sands; and numerous extended family members and dear friends. Ralph was predeceased by wife Louise Cicurel and niece Ellen “Alex” Scott.

A celebration of Ralph’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.