Cover photo for Ralph Nardini's Obituary
Ralph Nardini Profile Photo
1929 Ralph 2022

Ralph Nardini

January 23, 1929 — June 6, 2022

Shoreview

Emblem

Ralph Vincent Nardini, age 93, a devout Catholic, died Monday, June 6th at his home peacefully with his loving wife at his side.

Ralph was born January 23, 1929 in St. Paul. He graduated from Johnson HS in 1946 where he and his brother Gene played hockey. Ralph worked at the family’s lunch counter, Nardini Family Restaurant. Following graduation, Ralph served the US. Army as a cook during the Korean War. He was a proud veteran, wearing his Korea Vet hat everywhere he traveled. In 1949, he bought into a company that recharged fire extinguishers. Helping out a friend he met playing golf, Ralph grew his investment into one of Minnesota’s largest fire equipment companies that eventually expanded into North Dakota. He ran the business for over 5 decades. 

In 1953, Ralph married Marguerite (Mugs) Isabel Becker. The couple had two children, Tom and Gay. Ralph and Mugs raised their children on St. Paul’s East Side until 1972 when they moved to Lake Gervais. 

Ralph married Lenore Robertson Payton in 1989. They enjoyed golfing and traveling together, spending time between their Minnesota and Florida homes. 

During Ralph’s career, he was a charter member and President of the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors. In 2013, he received their Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions and service to the industry. He was also a charter member of the Pioneer Hooks and Ladder volunteers. Ralph served as President of the Builder’s Exchange and received the Distinguished Member award. He was a tireless volunteer in many civic endeavors. He served on the Ramsey County Fair Board for many years in addition to the St. Paul Midway Lions, where he received the Melvin James Award and the Helen Keller Award. He served the Roseville Central Park Foundation, the Suburban Chamber of Commerce, the Saint Paul Club, and the St. Paul Winter Carnival for many years in a variety of roles, including the General Chairman and Vulcanus Rex. 

Of all Ralph’s hobbies, golf was his true passion. He was one of the first and a lifetime member of North Oaks Golf Club. He played many rounds between Minnesota and Florida enjoying six hole-in-ones over his lifetime and “shooting his age” many times and was an avid MN sports fan. 

Ralph literally had hundreds and hundreds of friends. With his twinkling eyes and his fun-loving personality, Ralph had the ability to make you feel like a very special person when you were in his company. He will be sorely missed. 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Edith Nardini, sister Lorraine Mielke and brother Gene. He leaves behind his beloved wife; Lenore, his sister; Irene Klatt, his son; Tom (Robin), his daughter Gay (Tim Dubbs) and grandchildren T.J.(Meaghan and beloved great granddaughter Letty), Patrick, Dominic, and Danielle. Stepdaughter Terri (Harold Termblay), their son Jeremy (Kristi), granddaughter Penelope, Stepson Tony Payton (Laurie), their daughter Sarah (Tina), Granddaughters Alexis and Adriana, their son Mike (Caitlin), granddaughter Marjorie, their Daughter Jessica (Jeremy Wilson), grandsons Everett and Ronin, Stepson Tim Payton (Liz), daughter Caitlin, daughter Erin (Jessie Gappa), grandsons Eddison and Theodore, son Sean, Stepdaughter Tina Payton (Michelle Moran), daughter Emily (Tony Stoehr) son Joe, stepdaughter Trudi (Pat McNeal), daughter Ashley.

Memorials preferred to St. Paul Midway Lions Club.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ralph Nardini, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Sunday, June 12, 2022

3:00 - 6:00 pm (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Visitation

Monday, June 13, 2022

9:30 - 10:30 am (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Mass

Monday, June 13, 2022

10:30 - 11:30 am (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Graveside Service

Monday, June 13, 2022

12:15 - 12:45 pm (Central time)

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree