Ralph Jacob George Veth, 73, of Pearl River, LA passed away on July 9, 2024.  He was preceded by his parents Edna Minnie Glum Veth and Ralph Jacob Veth, as well as his daughter Kelly Renee Swords.  He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Veth, daughter, Janice Swords, stepchildren, Scott Kirby and Paige King, and siblings, Edna Abdale, Kathryn Masterpolo, and Joey Veth.

Anyone who knew "Ralphie," knows his sense of humor and quick wit brought a light-heartedness and laughter anytime, anywhere – even in the most serious of situations.  This appears to be a family trait given he grew up in a family where his parents and siblings would sing show tunes while they washed and dried the dishes after fine dining on "red soup" and pigs knuckles.

He grew up in a frugal yet loving Catholic family where his father and grandfather were both New York City policeman.  With four children to provide for "Ma" Veth had to tell some creative stories in order to make ends meet.  For example, Ralph and his siblings thought the music played by the neighborhood ice cream truck indicated it was actually out of ice cream.

Being a good Catholic family, in the 70's, Ralph and his brother Joey would walk in the dark to perform a weekly "angelic" folk mass.  The family Veth tradition was to live at home until you started a family of your own.  So, he lived in the family Bronx Row house through earning his bachelor's in economics from Manhattan College and was then "transferred" to New Orleans, LA in 1976.

Due to family commitments, he found himself in Memphis, TN where with the encouragement from friends and family, he earned his Juris Doctorate from Memphis State Law School in 1983.  This was no easy feat, given he worked full-time as a banking executive, was the father of two teenage daughters, and attended law school for 4 hours every night over the course of 4 years.  He was so tired during this time, one night at law school he had a wee bit too much caffeine, which resulted in reflexive barking in the middle of class.  We all know Ralphie is "special" when it comes to meds. During this time, Ralph was becoming an avid collector of all things important and some things not so much.

It was love at first sight when he met his soulmate, Gerry, in 1990.  He always said it was his job to make her laugh every day and he certainly exceeded expectations.  They had many adventures together including spending a month in Paris, France.  They moved from New Orleans to Slidell just before hurricane Katrina.  He quickly became the mayor of Chanticleer Estates and the yearly oversized cigar-smoking neighborhood Easter Bunny.  Every day was a gift, getting to share life with his best friend Gerry.  He "adored" her.

Ralph was a loving husband, son, brother, father, stepfather, grandfather, uncle, great grandfather, friend, and colleague.  He was adored by all.  "Big," we will miss you.

A memorial service will be held on Friday August 16, at 4 p.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Pearl River, LA.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law via The University of Memphis Foundation or to your favorite charitable organization.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.