Ralph Lepre, Jr., age 85, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2023. He was born on August 31, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York. His family moved to Connellsville, Pennsylvania. Ralph graduated from Connellsville Joint High School in 1955. He attended Ashland College in Ohio and received a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in mathematics (1961). Throughout high school and college, Ralph participated in sports earning many accolades. He was also active in student government. Ralph then attended graduate school at the Pennsylvania State University and achieved a Master of Education in physical education (1962) while teaching in the undergraduate department.
Ralph was offered a teaching position at Mount Pleasant Senior High School (MTP) in Wilmington, Delaware, and this is where he taught mathematics for many years. He also taught at Saint Edmond’s Academy and Delcastle Technical High School. Ralph was a dedicated teacher who challenged his students and presented the subject matter in a practical and enjoyable way.
During his teaching years, Ralph fostered his love of sports through coaching and developed many winning teams. He enthusiastically coached football, basketball, and baseball at MTP; basketball at St. Edmond’s; and football, baseball, girls’ volleyball, girls’ basketball, and girls’ softball at Delcastle. Ralph also worked many years at Brandywine Raceway and Delaware Park.
Throughout Ralph’s life, he was passionate about sports as a player, coach, and a spectator who proudly watched the sporting events and activities of his children and grandchildren. Additionally, Ralph loved watching sports on television and tracking sporting news online. He also had a passion for horses and horseracing, playing cards, listening to music (especially Frank Sinatra), eating Italian food, ice cream (especially chocolate malts from the Charcoal Pit), and chocolate.
Ralph was predeceased by his mother, Lucy Sova; his father, Ralph Lepre, Sr.; his stepmother, Constance Lepre; his brother, Eugene Lepre; and his sister, Mary Lou Jones.
Ralph’s family was a source of great pride and joy. Dad is lovingly remembered by his children Suzanne Watts (Michael), Tina Burkert (Andrew), Steven Lepre (Deborah), Joseph Lepre, and Daniel Lepre (Kristen). Pop-Pop is dearly missed by his grandchildren Michelle Watts, Christopher Watts (Ashley), Taylor Burkert (Rita), Paige Burkert (fiancé Yauheni Herzog), Kyle Burkert, Jessica Lepre (fiancé Justin Williams), Samantha Lepre and great-grandchildren Landon, Layla, and Luke. Ralph is also survived by his former wives Beatrice Lepre and Jean Handwerk in addition to a loving extended family.
Our family expresses special thanks to the following who compassionately cared for Ralph and provided guidance throughout his journey: • Dr. Justin Martello and his staff of Christiana Care Neurology Specialists • The staff of Foulk Living • The caregivers of Right at Home • The Vitas Hospice Care Team.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, located at 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware. A brief memorial service will follow. Interment will be private.
Ralph battled Parkinson’s Disease in the final quarter of his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org)
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
