Ralph H. Rosenthal

Ralph H. Rosenthal: April 2nd, 1937-April 11th, 2026

Born to Fritz and Hannah Rosenthal in Amsterdam, Holland; Ralph began his life as a cherished only child. This all changed during World War 2, when his parents faced the devastating choice to send their only son to live in another town under an assumed name with another family to remain safe. For nearly four years, the couple could only see their son 1-2 times yearly, while they became part of the Underground Resistance. The family reunited during the latter part of the war in Utrecht, living across the street from SS headquarters under another set of assumed names and speaking only German, as the SS Officers did. This kept them as safe as possible while still actively being involved with the Underground.

Ralph and his family emigrated to the United States in 1951 and lived in Bronxville, NY. Ralph attended high school there and became an Air Force National Guard member. This allowed him to also receive his citizenship a long while before his parents did. After high school, Ralph attended Bard College and then lived in Jackson Heights, NY.

Ralph is survived by Helle Moore (his life partner of nearly 20 years), two biological children, Renee Panetta (D.J. Panetta) and Daniel Rosenthal (Lori Shafer), two stepsons David Houle (Danna) and Paul Houle (Josie) and two grandchildren, Johanna Panetta (A.J. Anderson) and Victoria Panetta. Ralph also leaves behind his extended family; cousins Michele Salmony DiStefano (Giovanni) and Claude Salmony (Marina), Lise and Jeff Williams (Alyssa and Matt Williams), and Michael Moore (and his family).

As well, Ralph is blessed enough to have left behind a tremendous circle of friends, some of which he knew for many decades. This includes Wayne Lukas, Ralph Marra and Phil Arony, though there are so many others who held a special place in his heart. Many family members have predeceased him, (including his 3rd wife, Susan Rosenthal) and both of his parents as well as the innumerable family members killed during the Holocaust.

Calling hours will be 7-9 p.m. at Bekkering Funeral Home in Scotia, NY on Wednesday, April 15th. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. at First Reformed Church of Schenectady.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations are made in Ralph's memory to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum, the Masonic Lodge, or the First Reformed Church of Schenectady.

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