It is with deep sorrow to announce the unexpected passing of Ralph Manuel Santos Jr. on September 26, 2022
at the age of 71. He leaves behind an incredible amount of family and friends who loved him fiercely.

He was born on September 25, 1951 in Gilroy, Ca. to Ralph and Annabelle Santos. He is survived by his loving
wife Linda Santos of 44 years, and his daughter Tracy Ramirez (Joe), son Ralph Santos III (Estela), daughter
Jennifer Denton (Paul), and grandchildren Joseph, Anabella, Ralph IV, Marcial, Lucy and Emmylou. Ralph is
also survived by his sister Darlene Vincent and husband Nate, Richard Santos and his wife Debbie and his
youngest brother Robert Santos and his wife Yolanda as well as several adoring nieces, nephews and cousins.
He took pride in his children and grandchildren and supported them through every challenge, celebration and
milestone. Ralph led his life with core values that were instilled in him from his own parents - to prioitize family,
hard work, generosity and dependability.

Ralph was born and raised in Gilroy, Ca. He graduated from St. Mary School, Bellarmine High School, and
attended Cal Poly State University. He also served in the National Guard as a tank driver in the early 1970s.
He married Linda in 1978 at St Mary Church and raised a wonderful family who he was very proud of.
Growing up on the farm along the El Camino Real (Highway 101) he worked alongside his father, Ralph
Santos Sr., farming apples, pears, prunes, cherries, garlic and much more under Santos and Son. In the
1980s, El Camino Packing was established with his father where the focus shifted to agricultural packing and
storage. At this time he and his wife Linda also worked together at Ralph's Cherry Hut, carryng on the tradition
his father and mother started in the 1950s. He farmed multiple cherry orchards in the Santa Clara valley, and
his expansive knowledge allowed him to often consult other growers in the area. He was humble and
respected by his peers.

Ralph's efforts in farming over the years reached as far out as; Japan, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Korea,
China, and North America. He also had a long standing working relationship with Martinelli's, T and A and
Valley Garlic. In 2009 he began working alongside his son, Ralph Santos III showing him the ways of the
business. Together they worked to grow and expand El Camino to what it is today. This addition would mark
the fourth generation of Santos family farmers. At the height of his business he farmed in excess of 1,000
acres and modernized the cherry, pepper and garlic line alongside his brother Rick Santos. This new
technology was the latest advancement that Ralph and his son worked hard for to create a better product for
the customer.

Taking after his own father, Ralph loved, trusted and supported all his employees on the ranch and treated
them like family, some of whom he has been working with since 1973. He liked to see his employees succeed
and pave their own path. His presence will be greatly missed by the ranch famlies that he grew up with.

It was important for Ralph to balance work and play. He took multiple cruises with friends and their spouses,
looked forward to annual trips with his wife Linda to Maui to celebrate their wedding anniversary and always
found ways to visit his grandchildren. In his freetime he was a dedicated member of Wednesday and Thursday
night Poker Groups. He was a devoted fan and season ticket holder for many years for the San Francisco
Giants and 49ers. Football seasons were spent at Candlestick Park with Frank Angelino and the tried and true
49er Faithful Tailgate Crew. For 14 years he took annual trips to Scottsdale, Arizona for Giants Spring Training
with one of his best friends Frank Campanella. Even though he was a dawn to dusk farmer, he always found
time to connect with fellow farmers, many of which were his closest friends. He had regular meals with local
farmers including Jerry Perino and could not miss a lunch with his best neighbor Jim Aira.

Ralph was also a valued member of the Gilroy community. He dedicated his time and support to several
organizations including but not limited to; St. Mary's Men Club, School and Parish, Elks Lodge, Santa Clara
Valley Water District, Portuguese Hall, Gilroy Garlic Festival Association, Fresh Garlic Producers Association,
Special Olympics, Christopher High School and Gilroy High School, Gilroy Little League, Farm Bureau, St.
Louise Hospital, Gilroy Foundation, and the California Cherry Advisory Board.

Ralph was known as a selfless, kind-hearted man with a memorable smile and laugh. People he met were
blessed to have known him and better because of him. He leaves behind an immense footprint with his
contributions to agriculture, philanthropy and the community. He will be sorely missed by all that had the
pleasure to know him.

People wishing to honor Ralph's lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to the
Gilroy Foundation or St. Mary School. A Special Endowment will be created to help give back in his honor