The city was struck with yet another tragedy this week as Third District Councilman Ralph A. Eberle died of an apparent heart attack Saturday. He was 53.
City Council members and staffers at City Hall had to take in the news over the weekend, while Eberle’s family attempted to cope with the loss of a father and husband. Eberle came in with Mayor Edward M. O’Brien in 2012, and was in the midst of serving his third term on the legislative body.
Eberle’s death is the second major blow to the city in as many weeks as the city had just paid its last respects to Thomas “Tinker” Blake, a pillar of the community and former assistant to Mayor John Picard.
A saddened O’Brien praised Eberle for his work on the council and as a family man in a statement this week.
Ralph was a dedicated public servant and a dear friend,” O’Brien said. “He became involved in his community by joining the PTA with the goal of improving our school system for not only his own daughter, but all West Haven students. This passion to make our city a better place inspired him to serve on the City Council beginning in 2012 and he has represented the citizens of the Third District with integrity and dedication ever since.”
Mayor O’Brien said that Eberle shared the same concerns and had the same outlook when it came to moving the city’s agenda.
“Ralph and I shared the same vision for West Haven’s future. He was always a strong, reliable voice on the council advocating not only for his district, but for progress across the entire city,” he said.
He called on all West Haven to keep the family in its prayers as the next few days pass.
“Ralph’s passing is a true loss for the City Council and the entire West Haven community. Please keep the Eberle family in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of a wonderful father, husband, and public servant,” he said.
Eberle leaves a wife, Lisa, and daughter, Victoria. At press time funeral arrangements were incomplete.