Stephen John Ranaldi

Stephen John Ranaldi, was born on April 4, 1942. He grew up in southern California with his parents Cleo and Bill. As a young boy he loved reptiles. His mother would tell stories of unmarked packages arriving for Steve, which she’d open only to reveal an alligator or a snake.

Upon graduating high school, Steve attended Valley College where he excelled. Two years later he transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles where his love of the Bruins was born. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Business from UCLA. He was the ultimate Bruin fan, attending football games season after season, and mastering the art of tailgating with his dear friends. One of his favorite hobbies was to create fan apparel with his favorite motto, “SC Sucks, Always has, Always will!”

Steve was a member of the Air National Guards Reserves receiving a medal during the Watt’s riots.

Steve went to work for Atlantic Richfield Company after college where he worked for 25 years until he took an early retirement in 1991. Next, he started his own company providing small business support, which he worked at until the end.

The love of his life was Susanne, literally “the girl next door.” For months Steve would wash his car and Susanne would walk her dog until he got up the nerve to ask her out. The two married on July 1, 1967 and were married for 47 years. During their almost 51 years together they were partners in all things. Steve and Susanne enjoyed wine, travel, all things UCLA, and especially moments with their wide circle of friends.

Nothing made him prouder then his daughters. When Wendy and Diane, were born, he quickly became outnumbered by his girls. Suddenly, he was in a world of Barbie dollhouses on Christmas Eve and ballet dance recitals. Never letting a little thing like being a man stop him, he became the first male Girl Scout leader in the San Fernando Valley. Susanne and he, became the leaders of Enterprise 911, where he became like a second dad to many more girls throughout the years!

As his girls entered high school he became involved with the Granada Hills High School Booster Club, for which he held many offices including President.

While Steve held many things near and dear to his heart, none more then his family and friends. He leaves behind not only a wife and daughters, but also two son-in-laws, Lee and John, and four precious grandchildren, Bennett, Max, Cassandra, and Grady. He believed strongly that “friends are the family you choose”, and he chose wisely over the years.

He went by many different names, Steve, Daddy, Papa, Papa Bear, Steve-a-rino, and some I’m sure we’ve forgotten, but he’ll be remembered and live on in those he loved and those who loved him back.

No matter which one he was to you, he’ll be remembered and live on in those who were loved by him and who love him.