Ralph Anthony Mittelberger

Ralph Anthony Mittelberger passed away on Sunday, July 23rd 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He will be remembered as a loving husband and a devoted father. Ralph always had a wry smile and a sharp wit, cracking jokes while also asking deep thoughtful questions. His intelligence and spirit emanated out to those around him. He was a wonderful presence in the world, and he will be greatly missed.

Ralph was born to Jewish German immigrants and raised until the age of 12 in New York City. His family then moved to New Jersey, but always precocious he would often take the train alone into New York to visit museums. After graduating from MIT with degrees in Civil Engineering and Economics, he served in the US Navy. He returned to school to get a JD from Georgetown Law and embarked on a distinguished legal career, focused on anti-trust and intellectual property litigation. Ralph was a partner at Fish & Richardson, Heller Ehrman, and Arent Fox. After retiring, he moved to northern Michigan, where he volunteered with the local Rotary club and served on the board of the Oliver Center as well as the Empire township fire board. He is survived by his wife, Harriett, his sons, Pete Davis and Dan Mittelberger, his sister, Carrie (Tom) Marlowe, his cousins, Jim (Annie) and Diana (Ron) Mittelberger, and his niece and nephew, Ali (Bryan) and Ben Mittelberger.

The memorial service will be held at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home at 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684 on Sunday, July 30, at 1 pm (live-streamed at RJFH.TV for those who cannot attend in person). His friends and family are encouraged to share fond memories and stories about Ralph. This will be followed by graveside prayers at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Empire, MI. Please send any donations to a charity that you think best honors his memory.