Ralph Andrew Sonzini

Ralph Andrew Sonzini was born December 11, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Hazel Clark and Andrew Francesco Sonzini. He passed away August 28, 2024, in Salt Lake City. He was the second of three children and grew up in South Salt Lake, proudly attending Woodrow Wilson Elementary, Granite Junior High, Central Junior High (for 9th grade), and graduated from Granite High School in 1954. Ralph began school at the University of Utah, served for two years in the Army (stationed in South Korea), and then returned to the U and graduated in 1961 with a degree in business. Ralph married Dianne Hinich on July 19, 1963, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they raised three children. In 1970, Ralph built a home in the East Millcreek area and moved his family there. Ralph and Dianne have lived in the EMC 12th Ward for almost 54 years and are so grateful for the exceptional friends and neighbors that they are surrounded by.

He began his career with American Paper as a buyer and moved to their sales department, and later began working for Johnson Sales and his own company, R.S. Sales, as a manufacturer's agent. Ralph treasured the many friendships made through a dedicated career. He was generous and fair to those he crossed paths with and loved going to work. He worked until he was one month shy of 85, and only stopped going to his office at the warehouse when his health wouldn’t allow him to.  

Family was important to Ralph. His Italian heritage and pioneer ancestors were a source of pride. Scouting was also a source of joy for Ralph. He spent many years volunteering with the Boy Scouts and attended two National Jamborees. Ralph often reminisced about his years singing with the Men’s Chorus at the University of Utah and continued to sing in many stake and ward choirs throughout his life.  

Ralph loved to serve and quietly looked for ways to help others. His old green truck was known throughout the neighborhood. Whether it was moving a couch, hauling dirt, or helping in a garden, Ralph was there. He was a very hard worker and never shied away from getting his hands dirty. When there was a job to be done, he was the first to arrive and didn’t leave until the task was finished. Ralph was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed serving at the recommend desk in the Salt Lake Temple for twelve years. His kind hearted nature revealed itself in many ways. He often helped his family, friends, and neighbors with financial needs.

Ralph enjoyed supporting the Runnin’ Utes and faithfully attended U of U basketball games for over five decades. He was known for being careful and wise with his finances. He regularly gave advice, requested or not, to others on financial matters, as he wanted to help everyone he knew be warm, safe, and secure. 

Ralph is survived by his wife, Dianne (also known as Bunny); his three children, Michael Joseph Sonzini (Kathy), Brent Ralph Sonzini (Mary), and Andrea Sonzini Wells (Matt); and four grandchildren, Sierra Backman (Will), Rebecca Wells, Andrew Sonzini, and Joseph Sonzini. He is also survived by his brother Clark Sonzini. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lorraine Sonzini McGuire.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 am at the East Millcreek Stake Center, 3103 E. Craig Drive, Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held Friday, September 6th from 6:30-8:00 pm and Saturday, September 7th from 10:00-10:45 am at the same address. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

As a family, we would like to thank the dedicated staff, nurses, and doctors at the VA Hospital, especially the dialysis unit, Holladay Healthcare Center, and Nikki at Symbii Hospice for the kind and loving care they provided Ralph in his final years.