Ralph Elia

Ralph Elia, 85, of Reading, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2023 in his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Josephine (Colosimo) Elia. Together they shared 34 years of marriage.

Born on January 14, 1938, in Cerva, Catanzaro Italy, he was the son of the late Francesco and Giuseppina (Caliguri) Elia.

Ralph immigrated to America at age 16, arriving on Ellis Island to pursue the American Dream. He started his own successful business called Ralph Elia’s Auto Body Shop in 1960, which his sons are still running today. Ralph was also a pilot; he flew his own single-engine plane solo from Reading to Rome, Italy in September of 1978. He enjoyed golf and had eight holes -in -one in his golf career. Ralph loved playing Italian cards and making homemade soppressata and wine. Above all, Ralph was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed. 

Ralph is survived by his wife Josephine Elia, of Reading and his children, Josephine, wife of Peter Smith, of Lower Alsace Township; Francis Elia, of Leesport; Charles, husband of Suzanne Elia, of Wernersville; Vincent Elia, of Reading; 7 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; sisters, Teresa Lupia; Caterina Gigliotti; brother, Nick Elia; and his first wife Barbara (Adams) Elia.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Ninetta Lepera and brother Vincenzo Elia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church 3121 Kutztown Rd, Reading, PA 19605 on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 10:00am. Entombment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Homes 1605 Rockland Street Reading, PA 19604 on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 6:00pm-8:00pm and on Friday, June 30, 2023 at Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church prior to mass from 8:45am-9:45am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, in memory of Ralph Elia. Online condolences may be made to www.beanfuneralhomes.com.