Ralph J Tolomeo's Obituary
A much-loved husband, father, and grandfather, Ralph Jesse Tolomeo, 87, of Bordentown City,
NJ, passed away peacefully at his home on September 12, 2025. For more than a year, Ralph
had been dealing with MDS. Ralph was born on August 26, 1938, and grew up in the Olney
section of Philadelphia, PA. He graduated from Lasalle College High School in 1956 and from
Lasalle College (University) with a B.S. in Finance in 1960. Ralph then received his law degree
from Temple University in 1963. After practicing law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Ralph
joined the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO) as an Assistant Prosecutor in 1970. He
spent the next twelve years there, also serving in leadership positions as First Assistant and
Acting Prosecutor. Ralph considered his tenure at the BCPO as the highlight of his legal career.
There, he made cherished friendships that lasted throughout his life.
After leaving BCPO in 1982, Ralph went back to practice law, but public service soon called
again, when he took on a role as a New Jersey State Administrative Law Judge in 1984. For
twelve years, he heard cases across the state and was proud to bring resolutions, not rulings, to
the bench. In 1996, he stepped down from the bench to teach, working as an Associate
Professor of Paralegal Studies at Essex County (NJ) Community College. In 2001, he semi-retired,
spending time as a substitute teacher for the Bordentown school system. Still wanting to serve,
Ralph was appointed to the Bordentown City Environmental Commission where he was active
for 20 years retiring only recently as Chairman.
Ralph was an enthusiastic Philadelphia sports fan, but held his Phillies in the highest regard. He
regularly attended home games with his Sunday season ticket package. He loved to travel,
favored do wop music, 40’s and 50’s tunes, musical theater and had a special affinity for
organizing poker games with his friends.
In 1988, Ralph married Patricia Light. They spent more than forty years together, not only
sharing adventures but also living in New York City, Hoboken and Ocean Grove, NJ, and finally
finding their special place and community in Bordentown City where they have resided for 25
years.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Patricia; sister Carla Carey, children Justin (Stacy) and Gregory
(Shenaz); and grandchildren: Gemma, Aaron, Sophia and Tessa.
Ralph was more than a husband, father and grandfather–he was a steady source of love,
wisdom and laughter. His presence will be profoundly missed.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the ACLU.
https://action.aclu.org/
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