Obituary of Ralph J. Money

Ralph J. Money, Jr., age 88, near lifetime resident of the Black Rock Section of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2018 with his family by his side.  Ralph was born on December 31, 1929 in Port Chester, NY to the late Ralph J. Money, Sr. and Julia Nevers Money.

He graduated from Bassick High School in 1947 and was a proud member of the Fairfield University inaugural class of 1951.  Ralph earned three degrees there: Bachelor of Science; Masters of Science; and Certificate of Advanced Studies. He majored in mathematics because, in his words, “it was easy”. He also had more than enough credits to major in theology and philosophy as well. Ralph loved Fairfield, he developed strong friendships with the Jesuit faculty members as well as his classmates and fellow members of the Glee Club.

Ralph had a life-long love of flight and became a licensed pilot the day he turned 16.  After college he served with high distinction in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict.  He mastered teaching other aviators how to use cutting-edge technology in their missions. Ralph and the Air Force knew that pilots only really listen to other pilots.

After his military service he began a five decade career as an educator.  Four decades of full time education commitment to the Town of Trumbull public schools as a math teacher, Chair of the Trumbull High School Math Department and system-wide curriculum coordinator of mathematics.  Five decades of teaching commitment full and part time at Fairfield Prep and Fairfield University.  At his core, Ralph loved teaching math and devoted his career to numbers.

He was also cared for and was involved in his community; his contributions and leadership to professional, civic and community organizations were significant. Including the Association of Teachers of Mathematics, National Educational Association, proud past President of the Black Rock Little League and Boy Scouts of America.  In addition Ralph was a lifetime member of the Fayerweather Yacht Club (where he was often found at the corner of the bar enjoying a Bud with his best friend Mark D’Arcy), SS Norden Club, BPO Elks Bridgeport Lodge No. 36 and the Gaelic American Club.  Ralph was also an auto racing enthusiast and frequent contributor to industry publications including Auto Week and Car & Driver.

In addition to his parents Ralph was pre-deceased by his bride of 34 years T. Dorothy Flanagan Money, RN, daughter in law Tricia Ford Money and granddaughter Lauren Money-Leonard.

He is survived by his seven children:  Mary Money (Matthew Leonard) of Fairfield; Ralph Paul Money (Laura Babala) of Ridgefield; Michael Flanagan Money of Fairfield; James Joseph Money (Ivana Mazzola Money) of Bridgeport; Catherine Elizabeth Money of Black Rock; Ann Money of Milford and Teresa Money McLaughlin (Dennis McLaughlin) of Milford. In addition to his beloved children, he is survived by his fourteen grandchildren:  Matthew Laurence Money Leonard, Elizabeth Katherine Money Leonard, Noah Babala-Money, Francesca Babala-Money, Michael Ford Money, William Paul Money, Julia Rose Money, James Joseph Money, Jr., Jefferson Clinton Atkins, Jr., Theresa Dorothy Atkins, Owen Daniel Atkins, Haleigh Jane McLaughlin, Brenna Mary McLaughlin and Catherine Ann McLaughlin. Ralph is also survived by his sister in law Marie Flanagan Halstead of Bridgeport, a multitude of nieces, nephews, godchildren, golden retrievers and “number 8’s”.

The family would like to acknowledge the special caregivers in his life: Karen Mancuso, Carmen De La Rosa and Jeff Thompson who provided much more than just care but true friendship and love.

Ralph lived and loved his faith every day. He was an avid scripture reader and active in his local parish, St. Ann’s, where he served as a member and chair of the lay board, a senior trustee of the Parish, lector and Eucharistic Minister.

Ralph had many loves but only one passion, his family. Nothing made him happier than days spent on Long Island Sound and St. Mary’s by the Sea, preferably with his grandchildren and Sunday night dinners at Homestead where the chaos was music to his ears.  Everyone who met Ralph will remember his sense of humor and his model of gentle kindness. “Let’s be nice to one another”.

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday from 4-8 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road in Fairfield Center. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 AM by the Reverend Monsignor Michael Flanagan in Saint Ann Church, 481 Brewster Street, Bridgeport. His interment with military honor will follow in Saint Thomas Cemetery, Fairfield.

To order flowers online, for travel directions, or to sign his guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.