The Mahalak Family & The Community Foundation of Monroe County, Michigan

Ralph Earl Mahalak was born February 14, 1940, in Wyandotte. He was a graduate of St. Patrick’s High School and married his elementary school sweetheart, Jane Navarre on October 29, 1960, in Wyandotte. He was the founder of Monroe Dodge on Front Street in 1966 and founder of Dodge of Winter Haven Florida in 1991. The couple resided in Monroe, Michigan, in 1966 raising their five children teaching them about the auto industry and incorporating those lessons into the successful family business it is today. Ralph & Jane semi-retired to Lighthouse Point, Florida, in 1985 enjoying Southern Florida living before recently moving to Greenville, South Caroline to be close to their daughter Monica and her family. Together, Ralph and Jane had five children, Ralph (Joan), Mike (Janine), JP (Joanie), Monica (Mike Hovart), and Alex (Krista) and 13 grandchildren.

Ralph “Senior” was loved by all who knew him and was well respected in the auto industry. His children remember him as a kind, generous, driven father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. He was a loyal person, gruff at times, very witty, and a dedicated individual who loved his family and was especially passionate about supporting his children and grandchildren’s education. He was also an active and dedicated member of St. John’s Parish, a former member at Monroe Golf and Country Club and other clubs. He was also a former Chair of the Monroe Auto Dealers Association, director of the Michigan Auto Dealers Association, and a member of the National Auto Dealers Association and the NADA 20 Group member. Ralph generously donated his resources to countless charities and organizations throughout his life. He especially enjoyed boating, fishing, and NASCAR, but most importantly spending time with his wife, family, friends and his dog Samantha. Although Ralph became an extremely successful business man he never forgot where he came from, always humble and thankful for the many things he had achieved. He passed away June 6, 2017, at the age of 77.