Raffaele E.M. Solferino

He was a devout Catholic and a family man. He loved authentic Italian cuisine, a good glass of vino, and of course the English footballers, Arsenal. Raffaele "Ralph" Emilio Matteo Solferino passed away on May 16, 2009 in Kennewick, Wash., with his family by his side.

Ralph was born June 22, 1934, to the late Teresa and Luigi Solferino, in London, England. He moved to Castiglione, Italy, to live with his grandparents, Raffaele and Giovanna Amato, until the dangers of WWII surpassed and sent him back to London at age 11. Ralph married his love, Sylvia Abbott, in December 1963. Together, they have six children. The family remained in London until 1976, when they moved to the United States.

While living in California, Ralph owned and operated Solferino and Sons Tile. He also was a skilled craftsman-a talent he would later pass on to his sons.

Ralph and Sylvia relocated to Stanwood, Wash. in 1979, and then moved to the Tri-Cities in 2002. While living in Pasco, Ralph authored a cookbook, How to Eat Well, Live Long, and Stay Healthy.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, of Pasco; his children Marion Champion and her husband John, of Hornchurch, England; Rita Austin and her husband, Jack, of Pasco; Barbara Hubert, of Bellingham, Wash.; Emilio "Raffy" Solferino and his wife, Maureen, of Richland; Teresa McQuaid and her husband Sean, of Kings Lynn, England; Marco Solferino and his wife, Nicole, of Richland; 18 grandchildren, who will dearly miss their "Nonon"; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Phyllis Pearman, of Chicago, IL; and too many friends to list. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2009 at 3:00pm at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland, Washington. Visitation will take place Thursday, May 21, 2009 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Einan's Funeral Home.