Ralph Dagnino 59, Brawley
Feb. 3, 1958 - Aug. 17, 2017
Ralph Dagnino, outdoor enthusiast, sportsman and devoted son, died at his home on Thursday, August 17, 2017. Ralph enjoyed his work, holidays, movies, sports, fitness and family.
Ralph was born on February 3, 1958 in Brawley California to Raymond and Esperanza Dagnino. His younger years were spent working closely with dad on the ranch. Hard work and long days instilled a powerful work ethic and a competitive standard to excel under all circumstances; life was busy and by design, it was easy to stay out of trouble. There was fun and good times playing with cousins, birthdays and special events with family and close friends.
Growing up in Imperial Valley was filled with high school football, dove hunting, sand dunes and the most awesome winter weather. Life was good in the valley but the intense heat beckoned a move towards a sleepy beach city not far from San Diego. San Clemente was the perfect location and Ralph quickly immersed himself in beach culture, sport fishing, power walks and tranquil sunsets from his home.
At home, Ralph enjoyed barbequing carne asada and watching the Raiders and Lakers on TV. There were Super Bowl victories in Oakland and Basketball championships in LA. He also enjoyed sport fishing and hunting with the Santa Ana Crew. Proud son of a Korean War Veteran, Ralph spent most national holidays at the beach celebrating the U.S. armed services with kids and family. These gatherings usually included meals with traditional recipes of barbeque ribs, tri-tip, macaroni salad, chili beans and Marie Calendar pies.
Ralph was also proud of being the only sibling to master mom’s BBQ sauce. He learned about cooking later in life by spending the bigger holidays at home in Brawley with mom and dad. First it was the Thanksgiving turkey, followed by Xmas tamales, and then the New Year rib roast. It was fun making tamales with mom, sisters and extended family especially when the wonderful aroma of cooked tamales filled the kitchen.
Being the first born son and a natural leader, Ralph assumed the role of taking care of the family when his father passed away. Ralph played a critical role in stabilizing his mother during her transition with Alzheimer’s disease. He worked tirelessly like his siblings to see his mom through her final days. Even though our loss was difficult, he never gave up on love and family. Ralph practiced the healing power of prayer every day of his life.
Ralph is survived by his siblings Flora, Cindy Raymond Dagnino Jr. His sister-in-law Helen Dagnino. His nephews and nieces Stephen and Christine Beltran, Robert, Andrew and Julia Dagnino. And so many special people including Joe, Paul, Bobby, Chris, Arturo, Alexandra, Kevin, Dylan, Larry, Gilbert, Charlie, Eloise, Armida, Gloria, Abbey, and Harold.
“I am home in heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright. There is a perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, safely home in heaven at last.” By Author unknown.
Viewing, Rosary, Funeral Mass and Luncheon will be held at Sacred Heart Church and Hall, 402 S Imperial Avenue in Brawley California on August 26, 2017 starting at 8 a.m.