Chief Ralph Soffredine

Retired Police Chief of the Traverse City Police Department Ralph Leonard Soffredine, 86, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully in his home May 29, 2023. Chief was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 11, 1937 to the late Ralph B. and Margaret (Murphy) Soffredine. He was one of two boys. Chief enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 16 and while enlisted graduated high school and earned an associate’s degree. He always claimed he enlisted in the service to stay out of jail but most who knew him would say it was because he liked to do things differently than most. Like being the weightlifting world champion heavy weight and setting a world record of 446.2 pounds at the age of 70. While in the service he played football that awarded him a scholarship to Central Michigan University and between that and the GI Bill, he earned a Bachelors in Education. He also earned a Master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University in Public Administration. Yet he realized after a few short years that his career path needed to take a dramatic turn of direction. Coincidentally, his brother Russell had completed the law enforcement academy and was thinking the very same thing. Ultimately in the end, they switched careers and thus began the journey of Ralph the officer. The career choice took him from Flint to Ishpeming and numerous places in between. When the Chief position became available in Traverse City it was the calling of a lifetime. Ralph packed the family and headed to what he knew was going to be his forever home. He is survived and missed dearly by his beloved bride Pamela, his children; Maureen (Sam) Martinez, Peter Soffredine, Patrick (Lori) Soffredine, Ann Soffredine, Joseph (Jennifer Maas) Soffredine, and Paula Lipinski (Michael Makowski). His amazing grandchildren; Thorian, Garrett (Amelia Kolbusz), Odin, Freya, Ada, Vindarr, Grant, Scout, Nick, Tony, Levvi, Brooke, and Michael, as well as numerous great grandchildren. Chief is also survived by his brother Russell (Barbara) Soffredine and nieces Susan Soffredine Rauser and Tracey Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant grandson Tony (at birth), as well as grandson Marco. Visitation will take place Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at St. Francis Catholic Church. A third visitation time will take place Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 10-11am, also at the church, with the funeral mass beginning at 11am. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Soffredine Family, 220 Huron Street, Traverse City, MI 49686. Any contributions received will be shared with organizations of special interest to Ralph.

Chief Ralph Soffredine

January 11, 1937 - May 29, 2023