Ralph Menapace

• Post by: mcalibrary
• December 18, 2023
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INDUCTEE

Ralph Menapace, one of the rugged smaller men who played football for Mike Terry in the late 1940’s, demonstrated that size was not necessary to be a lineman. His quick reactions and his superb knowledge of the game enabled him to outplay his larger opponents for three years of varsity football.

When Ralph matriculated at Yale University, he realized that football was “out” and studies “in”. His excellent undergraduate success enabled him to enter Yale’s Law School, where he continued his outstanding achievements. He was an editor of the YALE LAW REVIEW.

When he died in 1984, the New York Times obituary noted that, “The monuments to Ralph’s good sense and good manners are all over New York. It is due to him that such landmarks as Grand Central Station, Radio City Music Hall, Lever House, and the Upper East Side Historic District were preserved.

The president of New York’s Municipal Art Society noted that “Mr. Menapace was quiet and courteous and a defender of the things that made New York Special.” He was also someone who looked back on our area with pride, and someone we can look upon as “SPECIAL”.