Ralph Stephen Orlandella

Ralph Stephen Orlandella, 72,  of Elk Grove, CA, passed away on November 18, 2021 at a hospital in Orlando, FL after a long battle with many medical challenges.  He was vacationing with his family at one of his favorite places, Disney World.

Ralph was born April 19, 1949 to Ralph and Wanda Orlandella in Lodi, CA where he spent his youth participating in many community programs, Boy Scouts and Drum and Bugle Corps.

He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, CA. Ralph then earned a Bachelor degree of Science and Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Pacific, School of Pharmacy (Stockton).

Ralph worked as Pharmacist for nearly 40 years having many responsibilities ranging from Clinical Pharmacist,  Pharmacy Manager, VP of Hospital Support Services, Hospital Director of Pharmacy and eventually retiring as a Pharmacy Inspector for the State of California. Ralph also owned Cruise Holidays of Sacramento with his wife, Paula, giving them many opportunities to cruise and travel around the world. 

Ralph was a train enthusiast. (A “train Buff”).  His passion for trains began as a young boy when he rode the California Zephyr each Christmas with his family to the East Coast. He also spent time around trains as a boy watching his father and uncle, who owned a fruit-packing company in Lodi, load blocks of railroad refrigerator cars that were headed to east coast markets.  

In the 1980’s, Ralph’s railroad experience includes a decade of work with the California State Railroad Museum.   In 1984, he was named the first President of the Sacramento State Parks Docent Association.  One of his major accomplishments during his term of office was the restoration a steam locomotive, and bringing steam railroad excursions to the public in Old Sacramento, known as the Sacramento Southern Railroad. Ralph would enjoy working as a conductor on these trains and sharing his knowledge of train history with the passengers. He was also closely involved with the total rehabilitation of Sutter’s Fort, during his term. 

Ralph purchased two Vista Dome train cars (Silver Thistle and Silver Patio) and one baggage train car (Silver Buffet) for his personal collection.  These rail cars were previously part of the California Zephyr just like the trains that Ralph would travel on to visit family on the east coast.  He and a group of friends fully refurbished the Silver Thistle before selling all of the rail cars to VIA Rail Canada.

Ralph continued his work with the California State Railroad Museum as the Executive Director and Chief Director from 1988-1989.  During this time, he helped develop an Amtrak Interpretive Program, which provides narrators on Amtrak’s CA Zephyr between Sacramento & Reno.

In his retirement years, Ralph was a member of the Sacramento Valley Live Steamers, a docent at the California State Railroad Museum, built a garden railroad in his backyard and authored  a historical  fiction book, “Search for Judah’s Gold” a story that combined his love of railroad and California history.

Ralph loved music and was a Contrabass player in Drum and Bugle Corps. Over the years he was a member of Stockton Commodores, Stockton Caballeros, Lodi Sentinels and SF Renegades.  

Drum and Bugle Corps is where he met his wife, Paula during a competition in San Diego. Their first date was at Music Circus, 1969. They continued their interest and love of musicals being Music Circus members for over 35 years. They married in 1972 at Morris Chapel at University of Pacific, Stockton, CA.

Ralph was a true family man. His family was his main priority in life. He enjoyed spending quality time taking family trips to Disneyland, Disney World, Hollywood; Cruises to Mexico, Bahamas, Caribbean and Alaska.

He was a son, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, but his most loved role was “Papa Choo Choo” to his 2 grandchildren. Survived by wife of almost 50 yr (Paula), Children Amanda & Adam (Jenna), Grandchildren Asher & Hayden, Siblings Linda, Vito, Angela, several Nieces & Nephews.

Though he had a long battle with many medical challenges, he showed unwavering courage in facing them and did so with a smile. Ralph received a generous donation of an liver transplant that allowed him 12 extra years of life.  Please consider making a donation to Donate Life or register to become a organ donor.

Private burial at East Lawn Memorial Park, East Sacramento.