Ralphael Plescia, age 84 died August 14, 2022, in Salt Lake City Utah. Born December 20, 1937, to Theodore W. Plescia and Hortense Beryl Blake. He married Vonna Rae Polad November 21, 1956, in Salt Lake City Utah. He was a sculptor, a painter, and sometime writer. For many years he was a member of the Salt Lake Symphonic Choir. Ralph, as he was often known, is survived by his wife Vonna Rae, known as Rae, by his daughter Neena Plant-Henninger (Martin), his son Phillip Ralphael Plescia (Terry), son-in-law Russell Rolfson, along with 10 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his siblings Teddy, Sylvia, and Rose, both parents, and two daughters, Tammy, and Maria.
The public viewing Tuesday, August 23, from 6 to 8 pm and another viewing at 11 am Wednesday, August 24, just prior to funeral services at 12 pm. A graveside dedicatory prayer will be given at approximately 1:30 pm, at Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 North “E” Street.
Ralphael’s accomplishments include re-sculpting the lions at the Utah State Capital before the current models were installed, a patent for string instrument sound enhancement modifications, and authorship of two books. To read more about some of his accomplishments, please see the links below:
http://artistsofutah.org/15bytes/16sep/page1.html?fbclid=IwAR27dwbQFFfYI6TtHh_KreIsfUQcTJUHObfZ5Ap8_hZRRJVUjyiu0ObXnSI
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_(Utah_State_Capitol)?fbclid=IwAR2QXUudQnpWbCj4sBddUG74WB5ifEo0Ay_zic7gynSwzuVyTz4dYj3ApF4
https://utahstories.com/2010/10/ralphael%E2%80%99s-passion-sculpture/?fbclid=IwAR3yJQSx8H7YaXEPr-oV2Cmyd3gJkI6JnVhZwhbnCWnfEZF5qwHkR15LCwY
https://www.pifmagazine.com/1999/01/ralphael-revisionary/?fbclid=IwAR3DRrHWfi301ozhjd5AGpmTq5_9PBQccKHnd9p6juMMUoeYRrpsKyNqWaE
I was so surprised and sad to see this obituary. Ralph was such a unique, talented, and interesting person to be around, I’m so sorry for the family’s loss!
Rae, I am so sad to learn of Ralph's death! He was such a great guy, and my family and I thought very highly of him. Ralph was so good to my father in so many ways. He was always there to help him with mechanical problems, etc., at home. And he couldn't have provided a more beautiful barber shop for him. I offer my sincere condolences, and best wishes.
Dennis
Neena,
So sad and sorry to hear about your Dad.
My condolences go to you and your Family.
Jim Rickers