Honoring the Life and Legacy of Ralph Cavallo

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Ralph Cavallo, a man whose life was woven so tightly into the fabric of Upland that it is impossible to imagine our community without him.

For more than fifty years, Ralph did not simply live in Upland, he built Upland. He strengthened it. He protected its history. He invested in its future.

After a distinguished 35-year career with Southern California Edison, Ralph could have chosen a quiet and well-earned retirement. Instead, he chose service. He chose responsibility. He chose to give back in ways that most of us only talk about.

He led the creation of the Upland Veterans Monument and Veterans Plaza, ensuring that those who served our country would have a permanent and dignified place of honor in the heart of our city. He helped rebuild the Upland High School Vietnam Memorial so that sacrifice would never fade with time. He helped build the Library’s Children’s Reading Room and supported the Friends of the Library Bookstore, understanding that a strong community invests in its children’s imagination and education.

He did not just support projects, he drove them forward.

And nowhere was his dedication more visible than on our ballfields. Fourteen terms as President of Upland National Little League speaks to something far deeper than leadership. It reflects relentless commitment. It reflects a refusal to accept “good enough” when it came to our children. He coached youth soccer and softball. He upgraded and rebuilt athletic fields. He raised funds. He solved problems. He showed up.

If there was a challenge, Ralph did not walk away.

He strengthened the Upland Community Foundation. He served faithfully through Kiwanis and Rotary. He lent his strength and experience to countless civic efforts. And he did so simply because he believed in this city.

But beyond the monuments, the fields, the reading rooms, and the plaques, there was the man.

I am profoundly grateful, and I say this from the heart, that I had the opportunity to know Ralph personally. To learn from him. To observe his standards. To listen when he spoke about what Upland should be and what it could become. He did not approach service casually. He believed deeply that stewardship of a community was a serious responsibility.

And I will always cherish the privilege of calling him my friend.

There was something steady about Ralph. Something firm. He had presence. When he committed to something, it moved forward. When he saw a need, he stepped in. When others hesitated, he took charge. He set expectations, for himself and for everyone around him. And he led by example.

He made those around him better.

Upland has not simply lost a volunteer or a civic leader. We have lost a standard bearer. We have lost a man whose resolve, strength, and love for this city shaped its landscape and its spirit.

Walk through our parks.
Stand at the Veterans Plaza.
Visit the library’s children’s room.
Watch a Little League game under the lights.

You will see Ralph’s legacy.

But today, we also feel his absence.

Our hearts are especially with Noreen, his beloved wife, and with his entire family. The love and partnership they shared was evident to anyone who saw them together. We grieve alongside her. We pray she feels the gratitude and respect of an entire city that understands what Ralph meant, not only in what he accomplished, but in who he was.

Ralph Cavallo gave Upland his strength, his time, and his heart.

Our community is better because he lived here.
Stronger because he served here.
And forever changed because he chose to lead here.

We will feel this loss deeply, but we will carry his example forward.

With gratitude for his friendship and a life of service,
James Breitling