Rafael "Ralph" Diego passed away on April 26, 2016 in Daytona Beach after a brief illness. Born December 29, 1919 in Havana, Cuba to Ramon and Candelaria
(Ramirez y Carillo de Albornoz) Diego y Diego.
Ralph came to the United States in 1941 with $ 5.00 in his pockets and one suit, to seek his dream. Ralph proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII as a Technician Third Class between 1942 and 1946. His tour of duties included Germany and France.
Once out of the military, Ralph began his career at Ford Motor Company in Newark, New Jersey in the vehicle export division, processing orders for dealerships He remained with Ford Motor Company for thirty four years retiring as International Trade Supervisor.
After frequenting Ormond Beach with his family for many years, and purchasing land in Palm Coast in 1968, Ralph retired in 1980 and he and his wife Josephine left Rahway, New Jersey and moved to Palm Coast in 1982.
Ralph and his loving wife Josephine F. Jaeger were happily married for over sixty years until her Josephine passed in March of 2009.
Ralph and Josephine are survived by three sons, Ronald ( ) Diego of Boca Raton, Florida, Kenneth ( ) Diego of Washington Township, New Jersey, and Frank ( ) of Ormond Beach, by five grandchildren, Emily, Madeline Alex, Ashley, and Lauren.
Although born in Cuba, one of Ralph's highest priorities was being a "True American".
He learned English shortly after immigrating and would not speak Spanish in the family home because he insisted that his family was "American".
He was proud to fight for the United States in WWII and much later, in 2001, he legally changed his name to Ralph Diego, completing his "Americanization". He was often heard saying, America, right or wrong". Now Ralph was proud very proud of his Cuban heritage, but even more proud of the fact that he was a United States Citizen.
A Service of Remembrance with Military Honors will be celebrated on Sunday, May 1st at 3:00 pm with the family receiving friends one hour prior to services.
Inurnment wil be held at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery in Korna, Florida.
Arrangements are under the careful care of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond. Condolences for the family may be shared at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com