Ralph Hotfelter passed away on Tuesday, August 9th, 2016 in his family home. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Lillie Hotfelter (Young), his Brother Clarence and Sister Laverne from Texas, and his wife Gloria "Skipper" Hotfelter (Abruzzini) from Gilroy. He was cherished and cared for by his life partner Joanne Medina, from Gilroy. Ralph was the father of daughter Julie Bennett and her husband Randy of Utah, daughter Gina Aubrey of Lockwood, and son Scott Hotfelter and his wife Katherine Russ-Hotfelter, from Los Gatos. He was a Grandfather to Melissa Payne and her husband Logan, of Utah, Taylor Ericksen and her husband Jeff, from Santa Cruz, Hailey Hotfelter from Los Gatos, and Cassidy Handle from San Jose. He was also a Great-Grandfather to Kaylyn Payne, Payson Payne and Carson Payne of Utah.

Ralph was born in Marshall, Texas and came to California during his military service. He and Gloria Abruzzini fell in love, and he never left for home. Ralph's working occupation as a local freight truck driver in the Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay Area, fueled his love to meet new people and drive to local excursions. In his younger days, you could often find him behind the wheel of his motorcycle, a go-kart or driving one of his many cars. Ralph served in the US Army in Germany and Fort Ord during the Korean War, and served as an officer for the Gilroy Elks Lodge for years.

Private services are being held for the family. Any donations on his behalf should be made to his favorite charities, The Humane Society or the SPCA.