Obituary of Ralph Anthony Moreno

On Sunday, October 24, 2021, Ralph Anthony “Kayo” Moreno was called home at the age of 88, after a long fight with cancer. Our hearts are heavy because we have lost a wonderful father, uncle, grandfather, union brother, coach, mentor and friend.

 

Kayo was born in Los Angeles, California, on December 14, 1932, to Anita; his father was unknown. He was named Ignacio Ballesteros, but eventually took the name of his adopted family. Orphaned at a young age, he was adopted by Marie Sandoval and Tony Moreno, who already had a big, boisterous crew of older kids. Kayo grew up in the San Pedro, California, area, attending elementary, junior and senior high schools. He found stardom at San Pedro High by becoming an all-star running back. He even met the great Jim Thorpe after one of Kayo's outstanding running back performances. 

 

He started his Longshore career early at age 18, working at the docks while going to high school. Kayo then enlisted in the U.S. Navy for a four-year commitment (1952-1956).  During this time, he was able to continue his love of football and played for the Navy football team for 1 ½ years, earning trophies for his accomplishments. He didn’t graduate from high school until the age of 20, Winter Class of 1952, due to an early bout of polio that kept him away from school. 

 

While in the Navy, he married his girlfriend, Norma Delores Soza, in December 1955. Soon after, they had a son, Anthony Moreno. All three Morenos made their new home in Wilmington, California, where Kayo became a full time Longshoreman after his Naval career. For over 40 years, he worked the docks in Long Beach, California, and Seattle, Washington. A proud member of the ILWU, Local 19 Seattle and Local 13 Long Beach. 

 

His family continued to grow with the quick arrival of sisters, Terri, Tami and Tina. Kayo and his family relocated to Bellevue, Washington, in 1967 and lived there for over 35 years. When he wasn’t working on the docks as a Longshoreman and eventually a certified Straddle Driver, he helped coach youth football and soccer. His favorite students were his own kids. He instilled a great love of sports in his children. He loved college athletics, especially UW Husky football, though he kept a soft spot for USC sports too. He attended as many UW games, and later, his own kids’ games, as possible. He always had one or two of his kids with him, and later, his grandkids and nieces and nephews too. 

 

Kayo loved nature, sports, anything on TV, dancing and music. He even played the clarinet for a time. He connected to his Hispanic heritage and would get tears in his eyes hearing singers yearn and pine. His favorite genres were Big Band, Jazz and Ranchero music. But mostly, he loved marching bands. He made sure to attend every “High School Band Day” at the UW, and would often march with the UW band to the stadium.

 

After his four kids grew up and began their own families, Norma and Kayo traveled extensively. He experienced Mexico, Israel, Spain and China, as well as New York City and the Midwest.  In 2000, Norma and Ralph separated after 51 years of marriage. At the time, Kayo moved back to San Pedro and reconnected with old friends, his union brothers and reunited with his family on his Mother’s side. A firm believer in Christianity, he joined the Huntington Koinonia Fellowship church in Huntington Beach where the music and fellowship soothed his soul. He lived independently until 2017, when he moved back to Bellevue due to failing health. He eventually moved into an assisted living home in Lacey, Washington. It was in Lacey where he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family who will always love him. 

 

If you asked Kayo, his greatest accomplishment wasn’t his football legacy or his Longshore career. It was being a father. Kayo has four kids, 10 grandkids and 18 great-grandkids. He took on the name “Papa” with pride and so much joy. They all love hearing his stories. He was a prolific story teller and always entertained the entire family. Without him, there will be an extraordinary emptiness at all our family gatherings. 

 

Ralph A Moreno, Kayo, or Papa is survived by his ex-wife, Norma of Seattle; his son and daughters and their spouses, Tony and Rose Moreno of Ocean Shores, Washington, Terri “Meena” and Gregg Wagner of Bend, Oregon, Tami and Chris Covey of Manson, Washington, and Tina and Leonard Patricelli of Arlington, Washington; and all of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren too. We will all miss our Papa.

 

The family is planning a Boat Memorial on the Puget Sound in Spring 2022.

 

In lieu of flowers, Kayo would like donations sent to Children’s Hospital, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145-5005. 

 

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