Alert “06880” reader Bob Levy is a 35-year resident of Westport. He writes:
A few weeks ago, my wife and I went to Compo Beach on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
A large group of Westporters were gathered. They wanted to show their support for Israel, the Jewish people, and the over 200 hostages who were represented by over 200 empty chairs.
I am an old man. It did my heart good to see this.
My Uncle Ralph was my father’s twin brother. Beside the fact that they were both 5-9, they were exact opposites.
Uncle Ralph had movie star good looks with black hair, blue eyes, and somehow always a tan.
Bob Levy’s Uncle Ralph
He had 2 daughters, and he treated me like the son he never had. He would tell me stories about growing up in the Bronx — the mischief and trouble he would both get into and cause.
Somehow, Uncle Ralph got into a fight almost every day. He was fearless, and tough as nails.
He dropped out of high school, played in the New York state handball finals, was an expert pool player, and played poker with middleweight champion Rocky Graziano, who became a friend.
When I was 13, Uncle Ralph let me take his rowboat from the back of his house. The current was strong, and before I knew it I was 1/2 mile on the other side of the canal, and lost an oar (next stop England).
I somehow knew my Uncle Ralph was watching. I stood up and waved my hands.
I could not see him, but I knew he saw me. Within 15 minutes I saw Uncle Ralph swimming.
He smiled as he came aboard the rowboat, then hailed down a friend in a motorboat who towed us back home.
My Uncle Ralph was my hero.
He retired to Florida when he was 50. He took up golf, and for 2 years all he did was practice.
He practiced sand shots, chipping, putting and driving. At the end of 2 years he was ready to play — and was already a scratch golfer.
I have played golf for over 40 years. My best handicap was 16.
I have played with many good golfers, some single digit handicappers but never a scratch golfer.
A scratch golfer is extraordinary. Becoming a scratch golfer at age 50 is most extraordinary. My Uncle Ralph was extraordinary.
However, one story about Uncle Ralph stands out from all the rest.
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Uncle Ralph enlisted in the Marine Corp.
Before he got his uniform, he bought a gold Star of David.
Uncle Ralph was not a religious man. However, he told me he wore the Star of David because he wanted the Germans to know that a Jewish boy was coming after them, and that he was not afraid.
When I was around 17 — 60 years ago — my Uncle Ralph gave me a box with his gold Star of David in it.
I never wore it. I put it away.
After October 7, 2023 I searched my house and found the box. I opened the box, and looked at my Uncle Ralph’s Star of David.
I took it out, and proudly put it on.
Bob Levy, wearing Uncle Ralph’s Star of David.
Awesome story
thanks Adam. I appreciate your input
That is a wonderful heartwarming story. Thank you.
great story. I would like to see our local Jewish community and clergy be inspired with courage as opposed to staying silent
Great story Thank you
Loved this piece!
Thanks for this beautiful slice of life.
I love this story . Wish I had met Uncle Ralph .
What a magnificent story! When people live worthy lives, their memories are for a blessing.
Terrific stories to share with us about your wonderful Uncle Ralph. His courage and virtue made a rich and indelible mark on your life and have now inspired all of us. Thank you!
A wonderful report of courage and dedication. I am so pleased that this was shared.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Wonderful man.
I would have loved to know your Uncle Ralph!
What a great story! Uncle Ralph was amazing .. and REALLY handsome!! Thank you for sharing Bob.
What a great story. We all would have loved to have known your talented, handsome and brave Uncle Ralph.
What a lovely story.
Beautiful story, Dan! Uncle Ralph sounds like an amazing and courageous man.
The “Uncle Ralph’s” of the world are unfortunately becoming just a memory. Regretfully, they just don’t make them like that anymore.
How lucky you were, Bob Levy, to have Uncle Ralph in your life.
How lucky we were that he fought for our country and for Jews everywhere.
Your story brought tears to my eyes. Bless you both.
Thank you so very much for this wonderful introduction to Uncle Ralph.
These men and women are called the “Greatest Generation “ for a reason .
Ralph defiantly weaponized that Star of David and brought the battle directly to “ The repository and expression of the most virulent hatreds that have ever corroded the human breast-Corporal Hitler”.
Thanks as well to WRC for the quote.
You must be very proud.
What a wonderful story!!! Uncle Ralph sounds like he was an amazing man. Since October 7th I’ve been inspired to take out the Jewish star given to my mother by her grandfather in 1940 and wear it proudly.
What a wonderful story. He must have been an incredible man with wonderful perspectives on life! I can relate to this story a bit because I also had an uncle that had two daughters. Thus I was a surrogate son and we also had an amazing relationship! Thanks for sharing this story.
Would have loved to meet Uncle Ralph but thrilled to see Bob often. We share a love of swimming and both proudly wear a Magen David.