Ralph Papetti

Feb 15, 1940 -

May 15, 2025

Ralph Papetti—a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, mentor and friend—passed away due to cancer on May 15, 2025, at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was surrounded by his wife Leslie, his children, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. He was the son of the late Orazio (Ray) and Anne Papetti, and the younger brother of Robert Papetti and Geneva Schwartz.

Ralph was born on Feb. 15, 1940, and raised in Los Angeles, Calif. He married Leslie Busch in 1962, and they spent 63 happy years together. Ralph and Leslie had two kids, Randy and Laura. After serving in the Marines and working for a time in a science lab, Ralph became a financial planner and had a very successful professional career in Alaska and Arizona. Even during the long Alaska winters, he brought laughter and light to a home filled with joy and love.

In 1999, Ralph and Leslie moved to Arizona to be by their son, his wife Gina and their three grandchildren, though Ralph continued to work for many more years. Ryan, Jackie and Rachel grew up with a grandfather, "Papa," who showered them with love. He and Leslie often traveled to Spokane, Wash., to visit with their daughter Laura, her husband Greg and Ralph's much-loved granddaughter Izzy.

The family is planning a celebration of his well-lived and inspirational life.