“Ralph loved animals, and they loved him back.”

Fondly remembered by friends as whip-smart, unconventional, and an original thinker, Ralph Fenesy cherished friendships like some would treasure expensive cars or paintings. During Ralph’s 30 years of service at IBM, he not only traveled the world for work but became immersed in the lives of several families he was very close with until his final days.

His friendships, however, were not just limited to people. In his neighborhood, he was known to be the local animal whisperer. Animals of all types naturally wanted to be near Ralph. “If you lived in the neighborhood and your pet got loose, you go to Uncle Ralph’s house,” said a neighbor. “That’s where the pet was, looking for Ralph.”

Ralph loved animals, and they loved him back. During weekly Saturday coffee meetups with his buddies, Ralph would get up in the middle of a discussion to step outside so he could pet a dog or cat. He would usually return and spur a familiar conversation about how dogs were better than humans!

Ralph flaunted his animal pride for everyone to see, regularly wearing eye-catching cat shirts and sweatshirts. Selvi and Moby, his feline companions, were the Ying and Yang in his life, each arriving at different times in Ralph’s life.  Ralph was also a giver – he gave time, money, and expertise to charities he believed in. He gave to charities that benefitted animals and children with medical conditions, because he believed everyone deserved a chance. 

At HSSV, we are incredibly grateful for Ralph and the legacy he left behind. His generous gift of $50,000 continues to impact the lives of thousands of animals under our care.