RALPH DE LA ROSA, LCSW

With a heavy heart and profound sadness, I share the unexpected passing of my beloved son, Ralph Brewer De La Rosa, who died on May 10, 2025, in Seattle, Washington.

Ralph was born on October 16, 1976, in El Centro, California. He attended El Centro schools and graduated from Central Union High School before earning his degree summa cum laude from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service.

Ralph dedicated his life to healing. He trained in multiple trauma-focused therapy modalities and began his career serving youth in New York City’s clinical foster care system. Over the years, he became a respected and sought-after psychotherapist, meditation teacher, and author of three published books.

As a child, Ralph was bright, curious, mischievous, and deeply musical—always experimenting, learning, and imagining. His love of music shaped his spirit, and though his career shifted, that same creative, compassionate energy guided him throughout his life. He was an activist, a musician,  an outdoor adventurer, and above all, a deeply kind and authentic soul.

He once said what he wished for most was:

“A world where I have to find another line of work—because everyone knows how to be their own therapist, their own healer, their own best parent.”

That was the heart of his mission in this world.

Ralph was preceded in death by his father, David Ralph Brewer; his sister, Arcelia “Sally” Johnson; his brother, Luke Brewer; his grandparents, Nacho and Tillie De La Rosa of Calexico, and Laura and Ralph Brewer of Marietta, Oklahoma; his uncles, Nacho, Robert, Richard, and Arturo De La Rosa; and his aunt Tencha De La Rosa.

He is survived by me, his mother, Arcelia De La Rosales, and his sister, Tillie Real. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces: Leslie Fernandez and her children, Micah and Mila; Kelsie Johnson; and Bailey and (H) Martin Peña and their son, Mateo. He is also survived by his Aunt Elizabeth and family, Uncle Jess and (W) Laura De La Rosa, numerous cousins, and a vast community of friends and students who loved and admired him.

A virtual celebration of Ralph’s life will be held on June 1, 2025, at 3 PM PST. If you wish to attend, please RSVP to Bonnie at weloveralphdelarosa@gmail.com.

Our family will hold a private memorial at a later date. I offer my heartfelt thanks to his dear friends Bonnie Pipkin and Amanda Ludwig, whose love and support have been a great comfort during this time.