Carmen Ralph "Duke" Alicardi   

 Carmen Ralph "Duke" Alicardi left this world surrounded by his loving family June 29, 2019 at the age of 80 years old. He was born in Johnstown, Pa., Nov. 24, 1938 to parents Joseph and Ethel Alicardi.     He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, two children, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Peggy Alicardi, daughter, Sherry Parrott and husband, Sam of Houston, daughter Penny Boepple and husband, Robby of Edna; grandchildren, Kacey Sowell of Edna, Chelsey Guthrie and husband, Travis of Edna, Kendall and Jessica Parrott of Houston, Meghan Raybon and husband, Quincy of Edna, and Whitney Martignoni and husband Kody of Victoria; great-grandchildren Mykah Mabry, Marlee and Bishop Guthrie, Myah Williamson, Benjamin Boepple Provow, and Mila Martignoni.     Duke was the oldest of six children, brother Joe Alicardi and wife Sally of Johnstown, Pa., Jim Alicardi and wife Laurie of Johnstown, Pa., sister Frances Gomulka of Johnstown, Pa.     He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Carol Miller and Nancy Teeter of Johnstown, Pa.     Many hearts were touched by Duke that included extended family, friends, colleagues, and students. In 1956 Duke graduated from Johnstown High School and joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Foster Field in Victoria, Texas. He met the love of his life Peggy at a traveling skating rink in Bloomington. They were join in marriage on February 3, 1958.     In 1972 Duke graduated from Pan American University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He then moved to Edna, became a teacher, and achieved his goal of a mid-mangement degree at the University of Houston in Victoria.     His first principal position was at Palacios High School. He retired and ended his career in the public school system at West Columbia High School. After a short break he became the assistant principal at his first parochial school St. Phillips Catholic School in El Campo. He then became the assistant principal at Nazareth Academy Catholic School. In 2005 he became the first lay male principal of Nazareth Academy. In 2007 Nazareth Academy Athletic Field was dedicated and renamed "Alicardi Field", honoring CR Duke Alicardi, "Jets for Jesus."     Duke's true passion was the Nazareth Academy Christmas Play that he wrote and produced every year. His favorite hobby was to write poetry. He was a faithful and devout Catholic that truly believed in the power of prayer.     Duke and Peggy, "Pap pap" and "Mamo" loved to travel with their grandkids, creating great memories during their summer visits to Garner State Park, Mesa Verde, New York, Graceland, Carlsbad Caverns, Mt. Rushmore, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Amish Country, Colorado, and the Grand Canyon.     During his last few years on this earth fighting this horrible disease of Parkinson's he was blessed to have three neighboring angels, Cyndi Poulton, Tiffany Wengler, and Taylor Jo Mirelez to help any hour of the day or night. They also loved to treat him with cookies and Blizzards.     As a family we will truly miss Duke, but we are so very thankful that he is finally at peace and able to be his true self and no longer affected by Parkinson's disease.     In lieu of flowers and plants, donations can be made to Nazareth Academy, 206 W. Convent St. Victoria, TX 77901, in Memory of Carmen Ralph "Duke" Alicardi.     Visitation will be Tuesday, July 2,  from 5 to 7 p.m. with Rosary being recited at 6 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, Ganado. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, July 3, at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church with Father Michael Lyons officiating.     Services have been entrusted to Russell Todish of Ganado Funeral Home,  361-771-2120.