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In loving memory, Dr. Ralph Charles Karlovec, D.D.S., passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 4, 2024, while on vacation with his wife, Patricia Connell Karlovec, and friends.
Born Oct. 15, 1941, to the late Lucien B. Karlovec Sr. and Florence Griffin Karlovec, Ralph grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, with his brother, Luke, whom he often described as his best friend, and sister, Joan. Luke and Ralph always lived within a few short miles of each other - or just down the street or around the corner - and shared many happy times with their families and as golf partners.
Ralph attended Shaker Heights High School, where he was a star athlete with wonderful friends. He went on to The Ohio State University, where he discovered his passion for dentistry.
After graduating from OSU College of Dentistry, Ralph returned to Cleveland to set up his dental practice, with much love and innovative ideas. He began his practice in downtown Cleveland, eventually moving it to Pepper Pike, Ohio.
He remained an avid lifelong Buckeyes fan.
Ralph also enjoyed golf, paddle tennis and being the #1 fan at his daughters' sporting events.
He was a longtime member of The Country Club, in Pepper Pike, and Cleveland Skating Club, in Shaker Heights. Ralph also participated for years in Super Stars, a 10-club sporting event of which he was a founding member.
Ralph finally retired to Amelia Island, Fla., in 2007, where he could be on the golf course almost every day with his golf buddies. Ralph, Pat and their Amelia Island friends also traveled the world! He certainly enjoyed being retired.
Ralph leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Patricia; daughters, Kathy Brown (AJ), of Los Angeles, Calif., Cindy Murdough (Marshall), of Hudson, Ohio, and Kristy Mathot (Luke), of Dallas, Texas; and eight grandchildren, Shelby and Sawyer Brown, Marshall, Grace, Cameron and Duncan Murdough, and Charlotte and Graeme Mathot, who were his pride and joy.
He also is survived by his brother, Luke (Sandy), of Amelia Island; sister, Joan, of Los Gatos, Calif.; and two nieces and three nephews.
He had fun, played a lot . . . and worked hard for it and at it.
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Herbert A. Rosenthal
Ralph was my friend from kindergarten onward. I remember in elementary school mixing chemicals to make gunpowder, among the other things we did together. I even remember his middle name. Charles. Rest in peace my friend.
Peter C. Brown
Sorry to hear of Ralp's death. He is one I remember well from our days together. He will be missed
Peter
Herbert A. Rosenthal
After I wrote my comment yesterday, I was amazed at the things one's brain suddenly recalls from 70+ years ago. And now Ralph's obit is posted and it was fun reading that. I remember his brother and sister as we grew up in houses about 400 feet from each other.
David J Cunningham
How very sad not only to lose another Shakerite but especially Ralph who was a great guy. Always enthusiatic and fun to be around. And to you Pat so very sorry for this huge loss for you and your family. I know we are grateful to have known him.
Janet Katanik Cunningham and David Cunningham.
Ralph was always the one to run on to the football field first.
On one play I have always remenbered Ralph when I threw a pass to him and his helmet fell over his eyes but he still caught the pass.