Ralph Stanley Goraj, 82, of Huntley, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026.
Born September 16, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, Ralph was the son of Stanley and Julia (Koscielniak) Goraj. On October 3, 1964, he married the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Bak, and together they shared nearly 62 years of marriage.
Ralph proudly served his country in both the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. He worked professionally as a technical writer, but his true passion was music. An accomplished accordion player, Ralph had his own polka band. He was also a lifetime Gold Member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians. Music brought Ralph tremendous joy and countless opportunities to entertain others, creating many meaningful moments and lasting memories over the years.
Ralph loved to laugh and cherished the moments spent gathered with family and friends. He especially enjoyed good food, music, and laughter that filled the room. He was often the last one to leave, never quite ready for the evening to end. With his genuine warmth, sense of humor, and love of music, Ralph had a way of making everyone around him feel welcomed.
Ralph was also an avid ham radio operator and a loyal Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. He always had a story to tell, whether he was beginning or ending it, you could count on hearing his familiar words: “True story.”
Above all else, Ralph’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend. His humor, music, and love of life will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Pat; his children, Carolyn Goraj, Linda (Mark) Kozma, Juliann (Larry) Ossler, and Tim (Stacey) Goraj; his grandchildren, Theresa (Nik) Jannusch, Anthony (Trisha) Reyes, Matthew (Rachel) Kozma, Rebecca, Christy, Andrew, Benjamin, Emily, Abigail, Jacob, Stanley, Annaliese, and his great-grandchildren, Colton, Joseph, Koa, and Kai. He is also survived by his beloved brother-in-law and sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and many dear friends who will remember him fondly.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 29, 2026. Visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marian Central Catholic High School Music Department, Woodstock, IL. or Journey Care Hospice Center, Barrington, IL.
For further information, please contact DeFiore Funeral Home at 847-515-8772. Online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
Ralph, was a gentle caring man whose emphasis was always on his family, they meant everything to him! Music was his love and it showed when he played, especially when he played with his, grandkids. You will be missed.
With deepest sympathy for your loss. May the cherished memories of your loved one bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Deepest sympathy for your loss. Ralph will be missed, Many memories of family gatherings and his stories and music. Rest in Peace
Our sincere condolences for your loss. We wish you peace as you remember his life and love for each of you.
Ralph was the sweetest man. Loved spending time with him especially at the Legion Friday nights when he would come in to buy Pat and his tickets. I'm sorry I won't be able to come to your wake Ralph. Gotta go to another wake. God bless you. Say Hi to Dorie up in heaven.
I’m very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. My late father, Bob Bajek, always held Ralph in high regard as a musician and quality person.