Ralph Cedric Saunders

Ralph Saunders, age 67, died unexpectedly on August 23, 2024. He was a beloved life partner, father, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Ralph was born on July 9, 1957 in San Francisco, California and moved at the age of seven to Arlington, Virginia. He graduated Washington Liberty High School (formerly Washington Lee) in 1975 with many lifelong friends. He received a double BS degree in Finance and Management at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia in 1980 and was a member of the Beta Xi Chapter of the AKPsi fraternity. Upon graduation he started his IT career at EDS. He left EDS to start his own company, Keystone Software, in 1990, and worked as a software engineer, architect, and consultant at various companies throughout his life. He was known for his customer skills, dedication to a mission, and ability to establish long-term relationships with colleagues. But more than anything, Ralph was a devoted family man and friend. He loved spending time with people, and never failed to make friends wherever he went, including many fur-friends. He was always available to offer support, guidance, and encouragement no matter what challenges were faced. He called Stonecoal Lake, WV his second home for the last 16 years, and encouraged all to visit and experience its tranquility. In his free time, Ralph enjoyed photography - he was the first to volunteer to take pictures at any and all family events, brewing - but never root beer, and grilling and smoking all the meats. For a period in his life he loved riding his Harley Heritage Softail Classic on his own, with a couple buddies, and with thousands of people during Memorial Day celebrations - Rolling Thunder (now Rolling To Remember). He had a love of international cuisine, especially Thai food. He also enjoyed playing poker with his friends at least one Friday a month. During the Covid pandemic, he developed quite the green thumb and enjoyed sharing the bounty of his hard work with others. He was an avid marble collector and was recently taking classes in flamework so he could make his own. Ralph is survived by his partner, Diana O’Hara; children, Justin Duliba, Meghan O’Hara (JR Smith), and Erin O’Hara; grandchildren, Aidan Kanakry (Erika), Julian Duliba, Collin Rogers, and Jude Duliba; great grandchildren, Sterling and Aurora Kanakry; sister, Livia Griffith (Jim); and nieces and nephew, Krista Daugherty, Mackenzie Griffith, and Michael Griffith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ingrid Holst Saunders and Paul Saunders; and his daughter, Kelly O’Hara. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center St., Manassas, VA 20110. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ASPCA in his name. Link to ASPCA donation page: https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial

Ralph Cedric Saunders

July 9, 1957 - August 23, 2024