Ralph Katz

Ralph Lewis Katz was born on December 19,1941 in New York City the son of Benjamin and Anne Katz. He grew up in the Bronx, graduated from The Bronx High School of Science and SUNY Maritime College at Fort Schuyler where he obtained a Bachelor of Marine Engineering degree and a Coast Guard 3rd Assistant Engineer's license for steam and motor vessels. He also held Professional Engineer licenses in New York, Texas, and Oklahoma. He started working in the Marine industry and eventually wound up in the Petrochemical business. The last 22 years of his career were spent as an engineer in Houston with the Lummus Corp. He was the Cantor at Cong. Beth El in Missouri City for 35 years, retiring in 2017. He was also the leading Baritone for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston for 37 years and starred in all nine of the operas that the Society performed. Ralph loved classical music, opera, and big band music. He was also a die-hard Yankees fan. He died on July, 26th 2021 and is survived by his true B'shert Carol. He and Carol were married in Houston in 1988 and remained devoted to each other until the very end. He also leaves his two daughters, Laura Dana and her husband Richard and grandsons Sam and Eric; Jennifer Falco and her wife Sandy Mollett; two step-daughters, Beth McGee and her husband David and grand-children Lauren and Kevin; and Jennifer Russell. He is also survived by his baby brother Lanny Katz and his wife Susan, brother-in-law Rick Horsey and his wife Marleen, sister-in-law Katherine Lankford and numerous nieces and nephews. Ralph never believed in giving up and always said "Never look back, because if you do, you'll notice they're catching up." He also said he knew that the last 16 years were a gift, having survived a liver transplant in 2005 and was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 2012. He said he always looked to Carol for her strength and love and told whomever would listen, that she was the reason he lived as long as he did. He said to her that if his last words to her were not "I love you", it was only because he didn't have time. Carol and Ralph loved to travel and take cruises and were always looking forward to the next cruise. He was buried at the Emanuel Cemetery in Houston on July 28, 2021. Services are private. Donations in his memory can be given to Congregation Beth EL 3900 Raoul Wallenberg Lane Missouri City, Tx 77459 or the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Houston.

Ralph Katz

December 19, 1941 - July 26, 2021