Vallecorsa, Ralph Ralph James Vallecorsa, 72, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 16, 1945 in Sewickley, Pennsylvania to Herman and Mary (Direnzo) Vallecorsa. He spent his childhood in nearby Ambridge, where he developed an unshakably strong faith, formed lifelong friendships, and fell in love with Steeler football. Ralph earned his undergraduate and master's degrees in education from Kent State University. There, he met the love of his life, Catherine (Besst), and they were married June 22, 1968. Ralph began his career at St Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. Opportunity brought him to Arizona, and he spent 27 years as a college guidance counselor at Brophy College Preparatory. He also taught driver's education, coached basketball and golf, and organized countless trips with students across the country to visit various universities. He continued his career at North Canyon High School. During his four decades in education, Ralph had an enormous impact on the lives of teachers, students, and families with his unique ability to touch people in a genuine and positive way. His sense of humor will undoubtedly be missed, especially his uncanny ability to create nicknames for those he loved. Some of Ralph's favorite activities included dinners and movies with Cathy and their friends, weekly golf outings, and travelling to visit family and attend sporting events. Above all, he loved his annual summer vacation in Mission Beach, California with his entire family. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Cathy; sister Ada (Rita Ledford); sons, Alan (Jennifer) and David (Katie); daughters Jamie (George Adams) and Gina (Max Rosenberg); and eight beautiful grandchildren. Services will be held Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 4:00 pm at Franciscan Renewal Center located at 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85253. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph's name to at www.hov.org. Our family would like to recognize the exceptional and loving care provided by Dr. Peters, Dr. Miller, Dr. Dickens, and the entire staff at Ryan House. Your kindness and guidance over the last five years has been a blessing. Go Steelers!