ralph cirella howard stern and ralph howard obituary |

Longtime Howard Stern Stylist Ralph Cirella Dies at 58 After Cancer Battle

At the painfully young age of 58, my dear friend, Ralph Cirella, was suddenly taken from us, leaving us all in a state of profound shock. He was, without a doubt, a one-of-a-kind soul.

A Dear Friend

Ralph wasn't just a friend; he was family. My mother adored him, and I'll always cherish the memory of her affectionately mistaking his “berry” for a piece of red jello on his upper lip, playfully attempting to wipe it away.

I met Ralph in the old days where he worked his magic as a makeup artist for Howard Stern's Channel 9 show. I can vividly recall how he transformed Howard into a perfect replica of Larry King, showcasing his exceptional talent and creativity. From that day forward, we were lifelong friends. I just wish he had lived longer.

Unrealized Potential

Ralph possessed an abundance of untapped potential, but he grappled with finding the motivation to fully realize it—a painful reality that we all witnessed. It serves as a poignant reminder of life's unpredictability and the importance of not only pursuing our dreams but also seeing them through to the end.

My heart aches at the thought of Ralph departing this world alone, without ever experiencing the deep love he undeniably deserved. In our final exchange, I shared a story about someone who called me lucky. When I asked why, their response was simple and profound: "Because you're friends with Ralph from the Howard Stern show." And they were absolutely right.

I Will Miss You

My dear friend, I will miss you so much. I love you, Ralphie boy. Rest in peace.

HEY NOW XO

Howard Stern Mourns Loss of Longtime Friend

Howard Stern announced the death of his longtime friend and stylist on his SiriusXM radio show, The Howard Stern Show, on Wednesday morning. Stern, 69, added that Cirella was undergoing a procedure when his “heart gave out.”

“Ralph was a trustworthy, dear friend who made me laugh every time I was with him,” the host said.

The episode was a tribute to Cirella, who Stern knew for four decades and who had appeared on the show several times in the past. Stern revealed that he had spoken to his late friend the night before he passed, where the two discussed the “curable and treatable” cancer and had hope for the future.

“I think this is the toughest part of loving someone — when you lose them,” Stern said. “Lord knows I loved Ralph. My wife said to me last night, ‘You and Ralph have a secret language’ and it’s true ... we had a great chemistry, and we had a great friendship, and Ralph was one of my bros. In fact, I came to think of Ralph as family.”

 A Missed Opportunity

“I just have been so sad and so angry,” the star continued. “He didn’t take care of himself.”

The radio personality also reminisced about the night Cirella pushed Stern to a party where he ended up meeting his wife, Beth Ostrosky, who he married in 2008.

“He was the reason I met Beth,” Stern admitted.

John Stamos Remembers His Friend

John Stamos also paid tribute to Cirella, taking to Instagram to honor their friendship in a lengthy caption.

“Ralph possessed an abundance of untapped potential, but he grappled with finding the motivation to fully realize it—a painful reality that we all witnessed,” the actor wrote. “It serves as a poignant reminder of life's unpredictability and the importance of not only pursuing our dreams but also seeing them through to the end.”

He continued: “My heart aches at the thought of Ralph departing this world alone, without ever experiencing the deep love he undeniably deserved. In our final exchange, I shared a story about someone who called me lucky. When I asked why, their response was simple and profound: ‘Because you're friends with Ralph from the Howard Stern show.’ And they were absolutely right.”

The Full House alum, 60, called Cirella “one-of-a-kind” and shared memories they made throughout their friendship, which dated back to the “old days” in the ‘90s working on Stern’s Channel 9 show.

“Ralph wasn't just a friend; he was family,” the post read in part.

Conclusion

The passing of Ralph Cirella at only 58 years old is a tragic loss. He touched many lives through his talent, humor, and friendship. Though gone too soon, Ralph will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, dear friend.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p7%2FKoaybZpOkunC6xLCqZpuRqsCmec6fZJ2dkam1cL7ApaehZZOev6a4y5pkoaenlr%2BledKtnKumXZa7pXnRmqOpoF2dvLit0Z1kqJqZqcKivtg%3D