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Rev. Ralph L. Giovinetti, O.S.A. (1918-1974)

Rev. Ralph L. Giovinetti, O.S.A. entered eternal life May 30, 1974.

Ralph Leonard Giovinetti was born March 12, 1918 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to John and Philomena (Marucci) Giovinetti. He was Baptized July 23, 1918 at St. Rita Catholic Church, Philadelphia. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation May 2, 1926 in the same church.

After studying for one year at Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia, Ralph entered the Augustinian program of formation at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, in 1933. After receiving his high school diploma in 1936, he was received into the Augustinian Novitiate. He professed vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1937. He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1941. He then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D. C. He was ordained a Priest May 18, 1944. He did graduate studies of Latin at Catholic University of America, Washington.

In 1945 Father Giovanetti was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, where he taught for the next 29 years. He also coached basketball and served as Athletic Director.

He died May 30, 1974 after suffering a heart attack at St. Rita Monastery, Chicago.

Father Giovinetti is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.