Service Details
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am in the Siebert Chapel of Carthage College. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 24, 2020 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm in Siebert Chapel.
Memorial Suggestions
The Tenuta Family has requested that memorial remembrances be directed to either Hospice Alliance (10121 Prairie Ridge Blvd. Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158) or the Ralph and Margaret Tenuta Scholarship Funds at Carthage College, UW-Parkside, or Gateway Technical College.
Ralph J. Tenuta, age 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Ralph was born in Kenosha on May 26, 1932, the only child of the late John and Lydia (Conforti) Tenuta. He attended Bain Elementary School, Washington Jr. High School and was a 1950 graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School. Ralph was extremely honored to have been named a Distinguished Alumni by the Bradford Alumni Association. He continued his education at UW-Extension and Marquette University until he left school to work alongside his father in establishing and opening Tenuta’s Delicatessen and Liquors which opened on September 1, 1950. He “unofficially” retired on December 24, 2014. Through his dedication and hard work, the store has become a cherished treasure in the Kenosha community and beyond for 70 years.
On April 16, 1954, Ralph was united in marriage to Margaret “Margie” Landre. They enjoyed fifty-five years of marriage together and proudly raised seven children. Sadly she preceded him in death on March 25, 2010.
Ralph and Margie were long time members of Saint Mary Catholic Church. He was involved as a stronghold in the community. He was involved in countless boards and committees throughout the community. He was a member of both the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce and a charter member of KABA and was awarded “person of the year” designation by both. He was a charter member and founder of the Kenosha Boy’s and Girl’s Club, Kenosha Rotary West and 52nd Street Businessmen’s Association. Ralph received the distinction of a Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International. He was a founder of the American State Bank and had served as Chairman of its Board of Directors and remained on the board following the bank’s acquisition by Johnson Bank. He also served for 20 years as chairman of the Wisconsin Banking Review Board.
He was instrumental in establishing the University of Wisconsin, Parkside and served as president of the University’s Benevolent Foundation. He was honored to receive the UW Parkside Lifetime Recognition Award. A member of the Italian American’s Society, and the Italian Business & Professional Association, he was honored as man of the year by both organizations. He served as a Carthage College Trustee for 25 years and received the 2006 Carthage Flame Award.
One of his proudest accomplishments was his mentoring and his genuine care for the hundreds of young employees who passed through the doors of Tenuta’s.
Surviving include his seven children, Matthew Tenuta, Thomas (Sharon) Tenuta, Maria Tenuta, John (Cynthia Pevehouse) Tenuta, Christopher (Susan) Tenuta, Anne (Mark Malecki) Tenuta, and Paul (Christine) Tenuta; eleven grandchildren, Ronald (Mackenzie), Michael, Alexandra, Sydney, Daniel, Nicholas, Lydia, Eleanor, Samuel, Maxwell, and Hannah.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am in the Siebert Chapel of Carthage College. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 24, 2020 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm in Siebert Chapel.
The Tenuta Family has requested that memorial remembrances be directed to either Hospice Alliance (10121 Prairie Ridge Blvd. Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158) or the Ralph and Margaret Tenuta Scholarship Funds at Carthage College, UW-Parkside, or Gateway Technical College.
Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory – WILLIAM J. ALTHAUS, director
Mike Serpe says
Kenoshans are very deeply saddened by this news, as are thousands of those who Ralph touched. Thank you for all you did for my hometown.
My family’s attachment is very strong, as my grandpa, Bruno Serpe, was his father John’s immigration sponsor. Bruno’s picture with his coworkers at Vincent McCall is in the foyer of the store.
Everything that my cousin Dennis Serpe said is true and represents just a smidgen of the good deeds that Ralph did with no fanfare.
He was a good and sincere friend to many and he will be sorely missed.
Carol Tovo Murphy says
I worked at Tenuta’s Deli during the early ‘60s with both John & Ralph as mentors and friends. I enjoyed talking with Lydia and watching Marge maneuver through the store shopping with 3-4 kids in tow.
I often witnessed Ralph’s kindness and consideration of those less fortunate. He taught life lessons to us high school kids that we’ve remembered and put into practice throughout our lives.
“No one ever really dies as long as they took the time to leave us with fond memories”
My deepest sympathy to the Tenuta families.
The Krizmanich Family says
Our sincerest, deepest, condolences, thoughts & prayers are with your family.
Tina Ricciardi DeStefano says
My heartfelt sympathy to Matt, Tom, Maria, John, Chris, Ann, Paul and their families. Ralph was a beloved family friend. His kindness, generosity, and great sense of humor were boundless! I am forever grateful that Ralph and Margie were an integral part of my childhood years and beyond. May he rest in peace, reunited with Margie.
“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” Thomas Campbell
Much love,
Tina
Judy and Phyllis Bonofigio says
When my mom passed Mr. Tenuta sent us a antipasto tray and when my grandson passed he donated prizes for a benefit his friends had for him. May he RIP
Patricia Kudella Munro says
It is with sadness that I have become aware of Ralph Tenuta’s passing. I am one of those
“young employees” that he mentored when he employed me at age 16 which was 56 years ago. This caring and special man had so many friends that admired and loved him.
He leaves a wonderful legacy to family, friends and his community.
May God bless and keep you Ralph.
Rhoda Ricciardi says
Rest In Peace Gumba. You made us feel loved. You made us feel special. I miss your big smile, your hug, your laugh, your making me feel like I was your only customer every time I entered Tenuta’s, in spite of the place being packed.
You made the world a much better place.
Hugging all seven Tenuta children in my heart. Your Dad lives on in our memories.
Rhoda
Domenico Casalena says
Ralph care for Kenosha was the best.
He give to the community everting humanly possible.
It is impossible to list all his good deeds.
Kenosha and the Kenosha’s Italian Community are what
the are today Thanks to RALPH TENUTA.
RPI Ralph
Andy McLean says
My condolences to Ralph’s family. He was a long-time friend who I will miss and one whom I remember fondly since meeting him in 1970 and sharing good times, good wines and Scotch whisky. May he Rest In Peace.
Al Cesario says
Have fond memories of 74 years association with Ralph….and our last Club 13 Lunch last Sept.at Salutes. Ralph’s presence has made other peoples lives a little better than they would have been without him. Condolences to his family and many friends.
Gary and Christy says
Our deepest sympathy to the Tenuta families
Ronald & Margaret Wolfe says
So sorry for your loss. My he rest in peace.
rick stulgaitis, forever a Kenoshan. says
When my dad closed his grocery store on 34th avenue around 1951, he gave his liquor license to John Tenuta. They obviously made good use of it! Both my older brothers and sister worked at Tenuta’s in high school in the 50’s and 60’s. We live in Madison now and never stop in Kenosha without a shopping trip to Tenuta’s. When I was in the store in 2010 the weekend of my dad’s funeral, I had a nice conversation with Ralph about when he and my dad belonged to the Midtown Businessman’ s Assoc. My dad’s picture is still in the store’s entryway. Ralph was a wonderful guy! Both of my parents always spoke so fondly of him.
Michael Benner says
Our condolences to the family of Ralph Tenuta from Knights of Columbus Insurance. “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”
Lani Stulgaitis says
I grew up within walking distance of Tenutas and though I now live on the east coast, I have never visited my hometown without paying a visit to my favorite store. I mention this because seeing Ralph Tenuta working up at his desk, keeping a watchful eye on things, was a very memorable part of my childhood. He and his family created something special. My friends in New Jersey have become huge fans and count on something delicious, whether wine, cheese, maybe olive oil, when I return home. I’ll bet Ralph never knew the people he touched with his hard work and talent.