Ralph J. DiCosola

Ralph J. DiCosola, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, neighbor, artist, and proud U.S. Navy veteran, passed away on June 19, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. Born on December 11, 1930, Ralph lived a long and beautiful life defined by kindness, generosity, curiosity, creativity, and an open heart.

Ralph found great joy in bringing people together. He loved family gatherings, entertaining friends and neighbors, sharing conversation, and making those around him feel welcome. His life of travel began during his service to his country in the Navy during the Korean War, and his interest in the wider world continued throughout his life.

A gifted artist, Ralph expressed beauty through painting, drawing, and photography. Many of his works are framed and placed on the walls of loved ones’ homes, where they will continue to be cherished for generations. Professionally, Ralph was an accomplished art director and graphic designer, an advertising pioneer celebrated with numerous creative awards and known throughout the industry as one of the very best.

Ralph stayed engaged with the world around him and kept up with current affairs, especially world news. He was fair, accepting, and endlessly curious about different cultures. With his heart of gold, he welcomed people as they were and offered warmth, respect, and friendship to many.

Ralph was deeply loved and befriended by many, and he will be dearly missed. There is comfort in knowing he is reunited with his parents; his brother, Carmie and his wife Jeanette; his sisters, Tina and her husband Wellman, and Fran and her husband Ron; cherished childhood friends; his effervescent wife, Val; and his best friend, his dog Bentley. May they all be together in a joyous reunion.

Ralph was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Valentin “Val” DiCosola (nee Mirzabegian). He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Bluhm; his son, Robert Bluhm and his wife Traci; his grandsons, Erik and Kyle Bluhm; and many dear family members, friends, and neighbors. The family extends a special note of appreciation to Ralph’s brother Anthony “Tony” DiCosola and sister-in-law Joan DiCosola, who were always there with steadfast love and support. Your care meant everything; may the light always shine upon you.

Services for Ralph are yet to be determined, with further information to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ralph’s memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in honor of the support he received while fighting and beating Stage 4 lymphoma https://bloodcancerunited.org/?campaign=390400. Ralph’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL