Ralph John Lowenstein (born Hans Rolf Loewenstien) of Cincinnati passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025. Ralph was surrounded by his family, friends, and the many memories of the lives he impacted over his 93 years.
Ralph was born on February 9, 1932, in Duisburg-Hamborn, Germany, to his parents Max and Hilda (née Goldberg) Lowenstein. At the age of six, Ralph escaped the atrocities of Nazi Germany via the Kindertransport, accompanied by his younger brother Edward (age four). The boys spent 1½ years living in England under the loving care of Ruth Stern until they were reunited with their parents in New York City. The family then spent six months living in Flushing, NY, with their Aunt Ilse and Uncle Erich before being sponsored by their Uncle Ernest (Ernie) Lowenstein to relocate to Cincinnati. Ralph became a PROUD American citizen on August 8, 1946.
Ralph attended Avondale Elementary School and Walnut Hills Junior High before graduating from Hughes High School. He then attended Ohio University, where he earned a degree in Photography. During his time at Ohio University, Ralph met the love of his life, Fran Sirkin. Ralph and Fran were married for 66 years until her passing in 2021. They raised their family in Finneytown before retiring in Blue Ash. After college, Ralph served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army and was stationed in Long Island City, NY. Following his honorable discharge, he began a career as a salesman for H. Wolf & Sons. He eventually became President, CEO, and co-owner of the company, helping to build it into one of the largest screen-printing sportswear manufacturers in the United States. Ralph retired from H. Wolf in 1989.
Throughout his career and retirement, Ralph demonstrated a strong commitment to service and community. He served twice as president of the Cincinnati chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), helping many local business owners achieve their goals. Ralph was also president and a longtime supporter of the Jewish retirement community Glen Manor, leading numerous refurbishment projects. Later in life, Ralph volunteered weekly at Radio Reading Services for the Cincinnati Association of the Blind.
A devoted father and father-in-law, Ralph is survived by his children, Jim Lowenstein (predeceased in 1986) and Joey (Bill) Goetz. His legacy lives on through his three grandchildren: Emma Goetz, J.R. Goetz (Shelby), and Cooper (Hannah). “Pa” was deeply involved in their lives and was extremely proud of each of them.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Rockdale Temple, 8501 Ridge Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45236. A gathering will be held at Rockdale Temple following services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center or Hospice of Cincinnati.
