Ralph Ladestro

Ralph Ladestro, husband of Guri Ladestro, died peacefully in his sleep, after a brief illness, on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Lorien Encore at Turf Valley in Ellicott City, MD.

He was born in Stamford, Connecticut, on August 2, 1937, to Salvatore and Mary Ladestro, now deceased. He is survived by a brother, Sal Ladestro and a sister, Toni O’Brien, both of Stamford, Connecticut. He was predeceased by siblings Betty Mossa and Phil Ladestro.

Ralph Ladestro graduated from Stamford High School with the class of 1955, where he was class President and Prom King. He received his bachelor’s degree from Emerson College, Boston, MA, and, while in the Army, received his master’s degree in history from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX.

He enjoyed working at Dairy Queen in his hometown in his youth, and also worked as a DJ at an AM/FM radio program while in high school, playing requests from his high school classmates. He loved Drama Club and had the lead role in many school shows.

He served his country in the United States Army from 1960 until 1980 and retired as a Major. He and his wife Guri then ventured into owning their own business and they owned and operated dry cleaner stores. Their first store was Norway Dry Cleaners and Tailors in Landover Hills, MD, and their second store was Ladestro’s Cleaners and Tailors in Crofton, MD. In addition, Ralph always dreamed of owning his own restaurant and opened and operated for a short time, Troll House of Beef in Landover Hills, MD.

Ralph was charismatic and always a sharp dresser. He loved a new pair of shoes and had a great collection of watches. He loved his cars and always took great care of them, washing and waxing them until they shined; he even noticed if someone else’s car had been recently waxed. He loved to read and had a wonderful collection of history books. He loved opera, musicals and watching silent movies, westerns and old movies. He could name just about every movie star in any old movie. A proud patriot at heart, he loved to wax nostalgia and to talk politics. He was particular about food and didn’t hesitate to give you his constructive opinion.

His wife, Guri, was his soul mate whom he honored and took great care of from the beginning until his last days. A loving husband, he never tired of holding Guri’s hand. He was a proud man and his loyalty never wavered to his wife or his children.

He is survived by his wife Guri Ladestro, stepdaughter Linda Cahow, son John Ladestro (Gwen), daughter Diane Dorfman (Alan) and daughter Andrea Custead (Paul), eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

He was loved and looked up to by so many people and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralphs’ memory to your charity of choice.

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