Ralph Dale Nussbaum

Ralph Dale Nussbaum, aged 75, was born on Wednesday, July 6, 1949, in Bedford, OH, to parents John Eli and Grace Irene (Miller) Nussbaum. Ralph arrived in Heaven on Monday, August 5, 2024, from his home in Colorado Springs, CO with his wife, Sharon and granddaughter, Sabryna by his side.

Ralph graduated from Streetsboro High School in Streetsboro, OH and earned an Associate's Degree in Electronics Technology from the United Electronics Institute in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

Ralph married Sharon Kay (Cole) Nussbaum on Saturday, July 18, 1970 at Stow Alliance Fellowship in Stow, OH. They celebrated 54 years of marriage together shortly before his passing. Ralph first noticed Sharon on his school bus over a decade earlier and Sharon delights in sharing the story of how they were ultimately brought together at his 17th birthday party. Anyone in their presence saw how much Ralph cherished Sharon and their love truly continued to grow through the years.

Ralph was a dedicated telecommunications and computer engineer with over 50 years of experience in computer systems hardware, software, and network equipment consulting. He spent 30 years with major domestic and international telecommunications providers, where his responsibilities spanned from network management to strategic planning. Ralph was recruited by MCI Telecommunications in 1973 because he was one of only a few people in the country to have hands-on experience with microwave technology. Ralph designed, built and then managed MCI's National Network Surveillance Center, MCI’s only 24hr, 365 days a year operations center. In the 1990s, Ralph pioneered use the of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within MCI producing a Virtual Reality System featuring Immersive 3D and 3D spatial sound to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. and presented at the Cabinet level of the US government. Ralph was tremendously respected for his accomplishments, but also highly respected by those who worked with him. He had the ability to solve technical problems in innovative ways, but also was a gifted leader that supported and encouraged others on the team to contribute.

While Ralph accomplished great things, he had a servant's heart and believed he was serving God by serving others. He found great fulfillment in volunteering and serving throughout his life.  Ralph was a problem solver and would see a need he was capable of filling and do it. As a teen, Ralph set up the sound system at his church and then continued to setup and manage the sound system at every church he attended. As a teen, he was the president of the church's youth group and went to clean up after a tornado in a neighboring area.  From the very first condominium Ralph and Sharon moved into shortly after they were married, Ralph volunteered on the HOA.

Since moving to Colorado specifically, Ralph spent 9 years as President and 2 years as Vice President for Summer Glen Estates Owners Association Board of Directors, 2 years as a Board member and Treasurer of NEPCO (Northeastern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations), 13 years as a member of the Woodmoor Improvement Associations Architectural Control Committee, and 2 years as a member of the Woodmoor Improvement Associations Board of Directors.

Ralph also used his expertise with computers to volunteer his skills to help others. He volunteered at his church, Tri-Lakes Chapel,  in the IT department at Focus on the Family, even having his own desk, but also stepped in to fix the town doctor's computer when visiting his in-laws. He shared his God-given gifts whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sharon; children, Charmayne Nussbaum of Plano, TX, Ryan Nussbaum (Erissa) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Randy Nussbaum (Angela) of Macon, GA. He also leaves behind siblings Jim Nussbaum (Amy) of Streetsboro, OH, Gloria Miller (Joe) of Canal Fulton, OH, and Collene Lewman of Telford, PA; granddaughters Tabbytha Abair of Phoenix, AZ, Sabryna Nussbaum of Colorado Springs, CO, Angelique Smith and Zolana Nussbaum of Macon, GA; great-granddaughter Aislynn Abair of Phoenix, AZ; and 17 nieces and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Raymond, Bob, Galen, Lamar, and Marlene.

Ralph was faithful in serving and attending The Ascent Church in Monument, CO, where he found a strong community and spiritual guidance.

Ralph's legacy is not only in his professional achievements but also in the strong, loving family he led with humility and selflessness. His wisdom, kindness, and dedication will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Ascent Church https://theascentchurch.com/give/

Join us in celebrating the remarkable life of Ralph Nussbaum on Saturday, September 14th. This special event will be a time to honor and remember Ralph, sharing cherished memories and stories:

Celebration of Life, 10:00AM, Saturday, September 14, 2024, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Road, Monument, CO 80132.

We invite friends, family, and all whose lives Ralph touched to come together in his memory. Let’s celebrate his legacy with love, laughter, and heartfelt tributes.

Please bring your favorite memories and stories to share.