RALPH DANIEL CAULO

January 7, 1935 - June 24, 2022

Ralph Daniel Caulo, age 87, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2022 in Austin, Texas. Born on January 7, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois to parents Joseph Caulo and Rose Vinci Caulo, he grew up in Redlands, California. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty June Flint, earned a Master of Arts degree in History and Literature from the University of Redlands, and raised his young family. He served as a coaching assistant at the University of Redlands and then taught history and coached football at Pacific High School in San Bernardino.

Following his success as a teacher and coach, Ralph began a career in the publishing business in 1968 as a textbook sales representative. Leveraging his love of education and competitive spirit, he mentored and developed textbook sales and marketing teams. The trajectory of his publishing career quickly catapulted him to several business leadership positions in Orlando and New York City. Beginning in 1983, he held positions as Executive Vice President and member of the Board of Directors at Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. In 1988, he was named President and Chief Operating Officer, where he led successful restructuring efforts across the Publishing and Theme Park divisions, orchestrating the sale of HBJ Parks, including Sea World, to Anheuser Busch. He was named Chief Executive Officer of HBJ in 1989. Ralph completed his career with Simon & Schuster as Executive Vice President with responsibility for the company's education group.

After retirement, Ralph and his wife Susan resided in Elgin, Texas where they took pride in designing and building out their "Red Roof Ranch." In addition to enjoying ranch life for several years, he served as an organizer for the formation of Frontier Bank of Texas in 2007 before moving to Indian Wells, California in 2011.

As impressive as his career was, Ralph was first and foremost a dear father, grandfather, and friend. Tough but fair, he provided guidance and perspective but supported the choices of the people he cared about, encouraging them to exert maximum effort and take credit for their own successes and responsibility for their learning moments. He penned personal handwritten notes to express his support and love to family members, nearly a lost art today. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren who cherished spending time with him making memories for a lifetime. Special family memories include Thanksgiving in New York City, Knicks basketball games, traveling to Argentina, enjoying fireworks at Cocoa Beach, watching football in "the barn", swim meets, and spending time in Albuquerque and Pagosa Springs. Charming and adventurous, he enjoyed golf, collecting art, travel, cooking, and entertaining family and friends.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rose, his wife Susan, and brother Carl Ohlund. He is survived by his children: Andy Caulo and wife Jeanne of Elgin, Texas, Tim Caulo and wife Krista Sanchez of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Penny Meyer and husband Paul of Point Blank, Texas. He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren: Stephanie ("Stevie") Caulo, Joe Caulo, Payden Meyer, Paxden Meyer, Enrico Sanchez and Bella Sanchez; nieces Rosann Englebretson, Sue Hardy, and Patti Abbott; nephew Bobby Ohlund, and a wealth of loyal and dear friends.

The Caulo family extends heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Ralph's in-home caregiver in Indian Wells, Freddy Monteon, as well as his compassionate caregiving team in Austin: Dr. Carlye Mabry-Cantu, Dr. Shawn Chen, his special friends and caregivers at Belmont Village Senior Living, and Magnolia Hospice.

The family is planning a private service at a future date. A scholarship is being established for graduating high school scholar athletes in Ralph's memory. Details will be forthcoming soon.

The outpouring of condolences and love for Ralph is an immense comfort to the family. Sharing the memories, stories, and photos of those who knew and loved him on his memorial page will be cherished.

Rest in peace, our sweet Dad, Grampa, Papa - to which we warmly imagine his common reply, "Very Good."