El Cerrito, CA- Ralph Douglas Emeldi (Doug Emeldi) passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on June 24, 2022. He was 77 years old. Doug was born in Oakland, California and was a Bay Area resident for his entire life. He attended El Cerrito High School, and maintained life-long friendships with his neighborhood friends and classmates. He later went on to St. Mary’s College in Moraga for his undergraduate degree, and then Holy Names University in Oakland, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Spanish. He got a job at the beloved De La Salle High School in Concord, where he taught high school Spanish for his entire career of 34 years. Doug was a proud Spartan. He was committed to teaching and mentoring students, and he loved the brotherhood of the De La Salle community. After he retired, he embraced his Italian-American heritage and joined the Colombo Club of Oakland, where he was a member for over 20 years. There, he worked as a chef in the kitchen, pouring love into all the food that was made for the members and their guests. He told numerous stories of the good times he shared in the kitchen with his good friends there. It brought him tremendous joy. Doug also served as president of the club from 2007- 2008, and was passionate about his role as Chairman of Committee for The Bossola Scholarship Fund. This fund helps children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of Colombo Club members and the Women’s Auxiliary maintain college scholarships. Doug enjoyed cooking, jazz music, and spending time with family and friends. He touched many lives through his commitment to teaching and education, and passed this legacy down to his children. He is survived by three children: Monica Emeldi, Marc Emeldi, and Gina Tolleson, son-in-law Jason Tolleson, and grandson Samuel Tolleson. Doug leaves behind many friends and family who love and miss him very much, but will carry on his memory through good food, good music, and many happy memories. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 10th at 1 pm at the Colombo Club of Oakland, at 5321 Claremont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618. In lieu of flowers, donations in Doug’s honor can be made payable to The Bossola Fund, and mailed to the Colombo Club address above. Donations can also be made to a charity of your choice.
To plant a tree in memory of Ralph Douglas Emeldi, please visit our Tribute Store.