Ralph A. Sartore

Ralph Anthony Sartore, 85, of Somonauk, IL, formerly of Melrose Park, IL, passed away on September 28, 2026, at his home surrounded by loved ones and is at peace with the Lord. He was born August 20, 1941, in Melrose Park, IL.

Ralph was married for 64 years to his high school sweetheart, Margaret (LaBounty). He was a loving father to Renée (David) Beer of Plano, IL and Jeannette (Shawn) Newlin of Somonauk, IL. He is preceded in death by his son, Fred Sartore; his parents, James (Jack) and Jennie Sartore and in-laws Fred and Margaret LaBounty; as well as a sister, Jacqueline Castellano, and sister-in-law Lida Cimino.

He was grandfather to Kimberly (Michael) Gallichio, Margaret Meza, Dora Meza, Jacqueline Sartore, Christopher Sartore, Luke Newlin, and Gianna Beer. He was great-grandfather to Dylan and Gianluca Gallichio. He is survived by his brother Donald (Sandy) Sartore and sister Jean (Steve) Hautzinger, and many nieces and nephews.

His life was filled with sports, art and music, and he was a die-hard Cubs and Bears fan. His love of sports began early. At 13, Ralph would help send his Little League team to the semi-finals in the Little League World Series held in Pennsylvania. He would play baseball through high school and enter college on a baseball scholarship that ended after 2 years. While in high school and college, he honed his artistic talents of drawing and painting which evolved into his lifelong career of interior design, owning his own furniture store for many years in Elmwood Park, IL.

His gift of singing was shared throughout his life lending his voice to church choirs, karaoke with family, and even impersonating Elvis for senior groups and large crowds. He told us “If God gives you a gift, you have to share it!” Indeed, he generously shared his time, talents and treasures with all who knew him.

Ralph was also recognized as the longest-running elected Park District Commissioner serving 47 years as Commissioner of Memorial Park District in Bellwood, IL. He found time to travel extensively throughout the USA and Caribbean with his wife, and spent countless summers fishing and swimming with family in the Ozarks. He could make friends effortlessly with anyone he encountered. Still until the end, his greatest hope for life was that his family would always remain close to God.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 8:30 - 9:30 A.M. at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St. 60548. We will then process to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Sandwich for a funeral mass at 10:00 A.M. Following the mass, there will be a graveside service at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Somonauk. Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com