Ralph was a sophomore when Taft High School opened in 1939, and he completed his high school years
there.
He earned a bachelor's degree in science and education at Northern Illinois University and served overseas in the U.S. Navy.
Ralph served as a park supervisor in the Chicago Park District, and has also worked for the Cook County Board of (Tax) Appeals and the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. Elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1971 from the Northwest Side of Chicago, he served his constituants for 32 years, retiring as assistant majority leader and as the Dean of the Illinois House (holding the most seniority).Ralph has also served many years as 41st Ward Democratic Committeeman.