Ralph Charles was born on October 29, 1932 in Detroit to Ralph and Mamye Chapa. He grew up in Corktown, the oldest extant neighborhood of Detroit and spent many summer days on Belle Isle with his siblings and parents.

Ralph was always a hard worker with his first job being a paper route, delivering papers via bike. Ralph graduated from Detroit’s Northwestern High School and went onto serve his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force.  Upon discharge from the Air Force, Ralph worked on the line at Ford Motor Company while attending court reporting school at Elsa Cooper.  After graduating from Elsa Cooper, Ralph took a job at Acme Court Reporting until he and co-worker Gary Giblin ventured off on their own. Together they launched Chapa Giblin, the oldest court reporting firm in the State of Michigan, currently celebrating 53 years of business.  

Ralph was a man of moderation and private by default. He was coined by his peers as the “Best Dressed Man in Detroit”, a consummate gentleman. Ralph was an elegant man of style and grace who had a keen eye for mid-century modern art, furniture, and design. He was also known for his herculean-ly strong handshake. Ralph reveled in one’s reaction as he gripped their hand and saw their surprise to his strength in direct contrast to his size and would laugh and laugh! 

Ralph loved the theater and performing arts, taking his family and friends to the Christmas Carol at Meadowbrook Theater for 22 consecutive years. He was a season ticket holder at both the Fischer and Meadowbrook Theaters and attended Wassail Dinners at the Detroit Institute of Arts. He enjoyed numerous garden parties and art functions at Cranbrook and Pewabic Pottery. Ralph loved to entertain, hosting epic Chapa Giblin Christmas parties.

Ralph loved sporting events and was a season ticket holder for the Detroit Tigers at both the Old Tiger Stadium as well as Comerica Park and a Red Wings season ticket holder as far back as when they played at Olympia Stadium. 

Ralph Charles Sr. was the loving father of Ralph Jr. (Kathy) Chapa, Jodie Chapa, and Sterling (Stephanie) Chapa; devoted grandfather of Natalie, Richie, Brittany (Brennan), Cathryn (Nick), Samantha, Jett, and Dain; cherished great grandfather of Ella, Sophia, Damian, Rowan, and Lennox; and dear brother of Sherry Anshara. Ralph also fondly leaves four nieces.

Mr. Chapa's family will receive loved ones on Thursday, December 21st, at 10:00 a.m. until the time of his Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions to the Junior Tennis Foundation are appreciated in his name.