Ralph Paoli Obituary

Ralph Clement Paoli

July 1, 1938 - December 8, 2023

SPARKS - Ralph Paoli passed away on December 8, 2023 with family members by his side.

Ralph grew up in Elko, Nevada, and graduated from Elko High School in 1956. He attended Santa Clara University, and as a member of the university's boxing team he competed at the 1960 National Collegiate Boxing Championships. After graduating he served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army, and achieved the rank of captain. His platoon was on alert during the Cuban Missile Crisis, loaded on an airplane with the engines running.

While in the service, he met Judy Bockbrader - the girl of his dreams. They married in 1963, and in 2023 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Their marriage was blessed with three precious daughters. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Ralph returned to Elko where he accepted a position with the Read and Powell accounting firm. He became a CPA and had a full career with the firm - serving for many years as its managing partner until retirement in 1999. He loved his profession and was a trusted advisor to many community members.

Ralph gave generously of his time and talents to projects in Elko. As a member of the school board he initiated the "pay as you go tax" to create a funding source for new schools. He was involved in the community effort to relocate the train tracks that ran through Elko's downtown, and was a long-time member of the Elko Rotary Club. Every Labor Day weekend you could find Ralph at the Elko County Fair. After retirement, Ralph and Judy moved to Sparks, Nevada, to be near family.

He brought joy to people with his warmth and humor, and will be remembered as the life of the party. He valued family and ensured that his family members knew he loved them.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Judy, daughters Julie Grandjean and husband Loren, Cara Paoli and husband Ron Gribble, and Mary Paoli and husband Matt Fockler, granddaughter Grace Gribble, sister Louise Aguirre, brother-in-law Frank Aguirre, sister-in-law Kay Paoli, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents Gus and Lena Paoli, brother Ray Paoli, sister Joann Kern, and brother-in-law Duane Kern.

Ralph was a member of The Springs Evangelical Lutheran church. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the church or the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. Ralph's family is immensely grateful to the professionals at the Sparks Fire Department, REMSA, and Renown Regional Medical Center for their compassion, skill, and counsel.

A funeral service will be held at The Springs Evangelical Lutheran church in Sparks, Nevada on Monday, December 18, at 2:30 pm.