Ralph John Carestia

Ralph John Carestia was born on June 19, 1936 in Pottsville, Pa. to Angeline and Anthony Carestia. As a young child, he enjoyed spending time with his parents, brother, Johnny, his sister, Mary and visiting with his relatives. He played the accordion and performed on the radio, making several records. Ralph loved sports and was very athletic. He made National High School All American Football Team and talented track athlete. He graduated from Pottsville High School in 1954. Ralph had numerous scholarship offers to college but chose the United States Naval Academy to receive his BS in Engineering. He was always very proud of being a Navy man. He played football, ran the low hurdles and threw the javelin on track. He made it to Penn Relays throwing the javelin. Along the way, Ralph traded in his cleats and married his bride of 63 years on June 14, 1958. After he graduated from the USNA in June of 1958, he served in the Navy for 4 years and then joined his father-in-law, Paul Stromberg, at Stromberg Sheet Metal Works, Inc. After over 25 years at Stromberg, Ralph sold the company to his employees. Ralph is survived by his wife, Shirley P. (Stromberg) Carestia, their 5 children: Debbie Thompson (Randy), Sandy Mercer (Duke), Karen Crocker (Randy), Angela Tranquill (Michael) and Anthony Carestia (Karin), 12 grandchildren: Michelle Shank (James), Steven Mercer, Amanda Lee (Ian), Vincent Mercer, Kristina Crocker, Leo Mercer, Ralf Carestia, Paolo Tranquill, Nino Tranquill, Katiana Carestia, Fio Tranquill and Rocco Tranquill, and two great Grandchildren: Daniel Shank and Harrison Lee. Ralph always loved to be involved in the community around him. He was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus member, active in Kiwanis, and President of the neighborhood Association for Willerburn Acres. He coached soccer and could be found at almost every football game of his son and grandsons; coaching from the sidelines or the stands. He loved to watch his grandchildren ski race and attend their swim/dive meets. He was a true believer, without fail, in the Washington Redskins. He was inducted into the Pottsville High School Football Hall of Fame. He loved the game of golf and won many Tournaments, even one in Australia! The more pressure, the better he golfed. He always loved a challenge and he preached to never give up. In 2006, Ralph was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Following his own mantra, he never let it stop him, he never let it get him down. He pushed himself to do as much as he possibly could, including skiing just two short years ago. Many people, family members and friends, would come to Ralph for advice. He was great at bargaining and was an incredibly persuasive and charismatic person. Ralph had a corny sense of humor, was always ready to play a joke on someone and in general loved to laugh and enjoy life. He was always up for the next adventure and often with only a moment’s notice. In an effort to always have a place where family could gather, he and his wife had two vacation homes; Lake Anna and Blue Knob. He designed the chalet at Blue Knob from start to finish. Of all of the accomplishments and awards in his life, that which he cherished most was the times he was surrounded by his family and friends. The celebration of life for Ralph Carestia will be on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Michael and Angela's home in Rockville, MD. 20854.In lieu of flowers, donations are to be made to Ralph's caregivers. Please contact the family for more information.