Ralph Leon Sory

5/30/1935 - 10/6/2017

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Obituary For Ralph Leon Sory

Ralph Leon Sory passed away unexpectedly in Fremont, CA on October 6, 2017, at the age of 82.

Ralph is survived by and will be greatly missed by his daughters Monica Rae Nowak of Santa Rosa, CA and Tamila Lynn Clark of Yuba City, CA along with son-in-laws Richard Nowak and Alan Clark. Ralph had 3 grandchildren Paul Edward “Eddie” Mangas and his wife Tara Mangas, Richard Lee Mangas & Rio Nicolaus Nowak. Ralph had 4 great grandchildren from Eddie & Tara Mangas, they are Austin Mangas, Tyler Mangas, Kelli Rose Mangas, and Evan Johnson. He will also be missed by his sweetheart Phyllis Branco and her family, Daughter Tiffany and her son Brandon, Rob and his wife Stacy and their children Danika and Robbie. He also leaves behind his five sisters, Carolyn, Ruth, Virginia, Gloria & Yvonne plus many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Mamie, his brother Mel and sisters Vivian, Geraldine, and Charlotte.

Ralph was born on May 30, 1935, in Stigler, Oklahoma to Ralph and Mamie Sory. The family moved to the Monterey area shortly after he was born. After graduating high school, Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served his country. It is there that he developed his profession as an Air Traffic Controller. He moved to Fremont in the early 1960’s to work at the Oakland Center where he retired in the late 1980’s. He later went back to the field instructing new controllers in Fremont.

Ralph was an accomplished Golfer and he was passionate about the game. He played twice a week with his many golf friends and shared his love of the game with his daughters and grandchildren. He loved family gatherings and kept the family close through picnics and at holiday gatherings. He was a kind, caring, and thoughtful man and he will be deeply missed.

Burial at City of Monterey Cemetery, 601 Fremont Street - Monterey, CA, Saturday, October 28, 2017, 11:00 am. A celebrate Ralph’s life will follow the burial at YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, 600 Camino El Estero - Monterey, CA.

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  • 10/01/2021

    Ralph and I were co-workers as air traffic controllers at Oakland Center in Fremont. He was a very good controller and easy to work with. We played in many golf tournaments together and he had exceptional skills on the golf course. He will be missed by all who knew him or worked with him. Forney Lundy

  • 10/01/2021

    Remembering my brother Ralph. He was always so loving to us. We loved being with him. He was always friendly to everyone. We will miss his sweet smile and loving personality.

  • 10/01/2021

    Ralph was my very best friend when we were teenagers in Seaside . We always shared good times and were inseparable. He joined the Navy and I joined the Marines. I worked for an airline (Flying Tigers() and he worked as an air traffic controller.. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was like a brother and his mom made the best biscuits I ever ate. She was special too. Although we went our separate ways, I always thought of him. God Bless you Ralph and until we meet again may GOD hold you in the palm of HIS hand. Russell Roof

  • 10/01/2021

    I remember well, and fondly, all of the trips to Ukiah for the many golf tournaments with Ralph and Phyllis. Great times with people who loved the golf, the dinners after and the laughter about missed putts, etc. Ralph was a gracious and warm man who was treasured by all those who knew him. He will be missed but I'm sure he and Jack are busy making tee times at that great links in the sky. Love to Phyllis and to his family. Georgia Butterfield

  • 10/01/2021

    Ralph was an inspiration in life and in golf!! I will miss him. He was my golf cart mate for so many years, and we always checked in with each other to see if we were playing. I had a free round with cart which I had promised to use when Ralph got better. He was having back issues when I called in September. Bye, good buddy, hope you are with Mel, and remember "to protect the field" when giving Mel putts!!! Love you, Peter F

  • 10/01/2021

    I would like to send condolences to my aunts, uncles, cousins, and all those that loved and knew him. He loved us all and his family was very important to him. He is missed. Love you all. Monica

  • 10/01/2021

    Thanks for sharing Peter.

  • 10/01/2021

    Thank you Andy for sharing your thoughts. His daughter Monica.

  • 10/01/2021

    Thank you Georgia for sharing some memories and times of my dad. He thought highly of you and Jack.

  • 10/01/2021

    Ralph and I knew each other as air traffic controllers, but got to know him really well working for the contract training group after we retired. He was a top notch guy and would help anyone in need, even if he didn't know them...an agape kind of love. I'm sure his family has many fond memories as his colleagues and I do. Take comfort in knowing the Lord has a special place for him. Andy Anderson Fremont, CA

  • 10/01/2021

    Uncle Sonny was the best. Now he is with his brother and sisters. I hear his smooth and comforting voice as I take time to remember my special uncle.

  • 10/01/2021

    Many great memories of our association while at ZOA come to mind. Ralph was an excellent controller..a go-to-guy, friendly with a warm, happy smile. Yes, he will be missed! Wink

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