Tragic Accident Claims Ralph " Rocco " Music

Ralph (aka Rocco) Music was the victim of a tragic accident on 10/22/2020.  As a tree surgeon with over 45 years’ experience, Ralph owned his own business (Alpha Tree, Affordable Tree, A&R Tree) for many years. He even worked on the giant redwoods in California.  Unfortunately, his life was taken after he fell 40 feet from a tree, doing a job that he loved. Ralph was 62, grew up in Hopatcong, and was a Jefferson Township resident for much of his adult life. Unfortunately being self-employed, he had no life insurance; it was always last in the list. 

Naturally,  his family is devastated by this loss. His children Halle and RJ, along with his former wife Alyson Music, reside in Prospect Point and Ralph contributed significantly to their monthly expenses.  Halle, 21, is a senior in college and will be attending medical school. RJ, 19, is in his sophomore year of college and worked with his father in the tree business.  Even though Alyson and Ralph had divorced, he remained close to his children and Alyson and was a source of financial support for the family and more importantly, to the children and their education. Ralph’s tragic and premature death has left a hole in his family’s heart and uncertainty in their financial future.

As a lifelong friend of Alyson’s, I can tell you it is extremely difficult for her to ask for help. She has always been the person to help others, be it people or animals, through her volunteerism (Saffin Pond Swim Team, CAPP Beach, Wildlife Rescue, Foster Mom to kittens, among others).  But help is what is needed right now.  As a self-employed dog walker, the pandemic has decreased work opportunities for Alyson. It is our wish to keep the family in their childhood home with as little disruption as possible during this difficult time.

This is a time for the community to come together and show our support for the Music family, who have always supported us.  Funds will be used to ensure the children’s housing, schooling, transportation, and needs. Thank you for your contribution of any amount.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on Sunday, November 1 from 2pm to 5pm at the Elks Lodge, 201 Howard Boulevard, Mt. Arlington, NJ. Superman attire is encouraged. Story sharing will be at 3 pm. Masks and social distancing are required. It will be an outdoor gathering. There will be a firepit.