Ralph Morales Sr., 93, of Merrillville, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Methodist Southlake Hospital. He was born on October 12, 1932, in Gary, to the late Toribio and Guadalupe (Dorado) Morales. 

Ralph is survived by his son, Ralph Jr. (Monica) Morales; stepdaughter, Denise (Jim) Stephens; stepsons, Walter (Sheryl) Poturalski, and Dennis Poturalski; brothers, Hilbert Morales, Robert Morales, and Guadalupe Morales; grandsons, Antonio Jimenez, and Ralph Morales III; many step-grandchildren; beloved nieces and nephews; other relatives; and dear friends. 

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lucille (Andrey) Morales; sisters, Rose Socorro, and Theresa Morales; brothers, Seville Morales, Andrew Morales, Anthony Morales, Michael Morales, and Frank Morales; stepdaughter, Linda Turner; and nephew, Albert Morales. 

Ralph proudly graduated from Froebel High School in Gary. He went on to enlist in the US Army in 1953, spending time overseas in Germany during the Korean War. Once he was back in the States, Ralph held various jobs throughout his life such as working at US Steel on the 84” Hot Strip crew for over 30 years until his retirement, then Sears, next as a security courier, then finally at Matteson Auto Auction. It should also be noted that Ralph honorably lived over half his life in the same home in Merrillville, a true accomplishment many hope to achieve. 

In his spare time, Ralph could be found golfing on the greens, bowling, reading, completing crossword puzzles, and watching his beloved murder mystery shows and the Food Network on the television. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing the violin and accordion. Ralph also spent lots of time as a member of the American Legion Post 430 and the VFW. 

Ralph will best be remembered as a dedicated, hard working, provider for his family, who will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Services for Ralph will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410, with visitation from 10 AM to 12 PM and a funeral service at 12 PM. Deacon Rob Litavecz will officiate. Burial and military honors will immediately follow services at Calumet Park Cemetery.