Berman, Ralph J.

Berman, Ralph Jeffrey, 64, passed away on Friday, June 17, 2022 at the Kent County Memorial Hospital in Warwick, Rhode Island with his loving sister Lisa and devoted companion, Deana, by his side.

Ralph was a true people person. Striking up conversations with complete strangers who often became his close friends. He was devoted to his family and friends and could be relied upon in a moment’s notice to offer his help and guidance.

He was a whirlwind of activity and energy and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping with friends, attending music festivals throughout the state, often bringing his ‘frottoir’ or musical washboard to join in with his favorite Zydeco bands. He enjoyed bike riding and flying an array of kites at Breton Point State Park in Newport.

Ralph was devout in his own way referring to himself as a ‘Reformadox’, often attending services at the Chabad of West Bay where he and Rabbi Yossi Laufer became close and dear friends. He said his greatest joy was the honor of holding the Torah during services and found a wonderful, caring community that loved and supported him.

Ralph’s travels took him to warmer climates. He enjoyed Mexico and especially Jamaica, floating on the calm, tranquil water. In 2016 he went to Israel, visiting its most sacred sites in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv culminating at the Western Wall in The Old City. He carried this experience with him in his heart and would frequently speak about the people he met and the feeling of peace and belonging.

As a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Ralph began his career at The Brown University Faculty Club in Providence, Rhode Island and worked as Chef and Executive Chef with such organizations as the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts, The Capital Grille in Providence, Rhode Island, Mike’s Kitchen in Cranston, Rhode Island and Ramano’s Macaroni Grill in Natick, Massachusetts.

His specialty was northern Italian cuisine and was known for his ‘out of the world’ Chicken Marsala. He was an avid cook and enjoyed preparing meals for his friends and family.

Ralph is survived by his sister, Lisa, his very dear friend and companion Deana Lomas, and his wonderful family of close cousins; Gail Miller, Bob Fagan, Joel Miller, Jackie Miller, Leonard Shwom, Naomi Shwom, David Darman, and Bonnie and Marc Wugman.

We will miss Ralph and hold him dearly in our hearts forever.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in SHALOM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1100 New London Ave., Cranston. Shiva will be observed, immediately following the funeral services, at the Chabad of West Bay Chai Center, 3871 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231.

5 Comments

  1. Beverly Mann-Paris
    Jun 20, 2022

    My sympathies go out to Ralph’s sister Lisa and his companion who Inhad the pleasure meeting her last Chanukah.
    Ralph and I had a special relationship as he always said Good Shabbos Mrs. Mann at Chabad every Saturday. He was very friendly with my son Gary and spent a lot of time at our home on Summit Drive. May his memories be a blessing to us all.
    So sorry. Beverly Mann-Paris

  2. Stanley Freedman
    Jun 20, 2022

    Ralph was a dear friend whom I’d see
    in his regular spot in Chabad on shabbas.
    We’d discuss music and other things.
    We will miss him but always keep him
    in our thoughts and prayers.

  3. Howard Brown
    Jun 20, 2022

    Ralph was a good guy taken too early from us. We already miss him at the chabad of west bay Shabbat minyan.

  4. Ellen W. Gourse
    Jun 22, 2022

    To the Berman Family

    I am sorry for your loss. I meet Ralph at Chabad and in talking with him I discovered that his mother was my Girl Scout leader.

    Ellen Gourse

  5. david altman
    Jun 23, 2022

    To the Berman Family, Ralph was a good person. I will miss his friendship. Many times he helped gladly. Helping me move and wanting to move boxes when he should not. Driving me to a early 7:30am doctor examination and picking me up at noon time completion. When my car stopped working on 95 at Branch Ave, Ralph picked me up and drove me to the airport car rental. Many times he would call to check on me and see how I was doing. A friendly face a Chabad. Last year we spent the day at he and Dee’s camping site in Narragansett. His friendship will be missed. Dave Altman

Leave a Reply to david altman Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*