Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ralph George Macchio Sr. |
| Year of Birth | 1943 |
| Place of Birth | Farmingdale, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Primary Occupation | Entrepreneur – Laundromat & Wastewater Services |
| Marital Status | Married (Rosalie DeSantis Macchio) |
| Children | Ralph Jr. (b. 1961), Steven, plus two other children (names undisclosed) |
| Grandchildren | Julia (b. 1992), Daniel (b. 1996) |
Family and Personal Relationships
Ralph Macchio Sr. has been married to Rosalie DeSantis Macchio for many years. Rosalie is of Italian background and ran their home. She supported Ralph’s business efforts. They have four children, though two stay out of the public eye.
| Name | Relation | Born | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rosalie DeSantis Macchio | Wife | – | Manages home and family |
| Ralph George Macchio Jr. | Eldest Son | 1961 | Actor in The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai |
| Steven Macchio | Younger Son | – | Keeps a low profile; helps in local events |
| Two Additional Children | Son/Daughter (undisclosed) | – | Family keeps their names private |
| Julia Macchio | Granddaughter (via Jr.) | 1992 | Appears on screen occasionally |
| Daniel Macchio | Grandson (via Jr.) | 1996 | Appears on screen occasionally |
Ralph Sr. taught his son about hard work in the laundromats he ran. He mentored Ralph Jr. as the actor became famous. Their home shows a focus on support, work ethic, and family values.
Career Journey and Achievements
Ralph Macchio Sr. has run several businesses over more than fifty years. He looks for community needs and adapts his services.
| Period | Venture | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s–1970s | Laundromat Operations | Bought and ran local laundromats; gained a reputation for reliability and hands‑on service. |
| 1970s | Septic Services | Started a septic‑service company; bought trucks and trained crews for homes and businesses. |
| 1980s–1990s | Hazardous‑Waste Treatment | Grew his septic business to include hazardous‑waste work; got permits and municipal contracts. |
| 2000s–2010s | Real Estate & Recreation | Bought land on French Mountain, Lake George, NY; built a family retreat and proposed “The Eagle Flyer” zip line. |
Laundromat Operations (1960s–1970s)
Ralph Sr. started by buying small laundromats on Long Island. He ran them himself, fixing machines, helping customers, and handling money. He used profits to update the machines and grew to several locations in five years. People in the area came to trust his laundromats.
Transition to Wastewater and Septic Services (1970s)
In the early 1970s, he saw a need for septic maintenance. He launched a septic‑service business, bought special trucks, and hired trained operators. He built good ties with local towns and cities. This move showed he could change to meet community needs.
Expansion into Hazardous‑Waste Treatment (1980s–1990s)
Using his septic base, he got permission to handle hazardous waste. Over ten years, his company won contracts for industrial cleanup and spill response. He gained a reputation for following strict safety rules. His firm became a regional leader in environmental services.
Real Estate Development & Recreational Initiatives (2000s–2010s)
In 2005, Ralph Sr. bought hundreds of acres on French Mountain near Lake George, NY. He turned it into a family retreat with cabins and horse trails. In 2018, he proposed “The Eagle Flyer,” a zip line across two ridges. The idea got local media attention and public hearings. Though it’s still under review, it shows his vision for recreation and tourism.
Public Image and Influence
Ralph Macchio Sr. keeps a low public profile. Most people learn about him through community news or interviews by his son. His style is practical and family‑focused.
He is known for:
- Reliability: He has provided steady services to homes, towns, and industries for decades.
- Integrity: He follows strict safety and environmental rules in hazardous‑waste work.
- Family‑First Philosophy: He supports his children’s dreams and teaches hard work.
He does not use personal social media. He prefers to work quietly behind the scenes.
Most Recent News
- June 2025: A lifestyle website ran a profile called “Ralph Macchio Sr.: The Father Of A Karate Kid.” It covered his long marriage, business milestones, and family devotion.
- 2019–2024: Local news gave updates on zoning hearings for “The Eagle Flyer” zip line project on French Mountain, noting his continued work in regional development.
FAQ
Who is Ralph George Macchio Sr.?
He is an American entrepreneur born in 1943 in Farmingdale, NY, known for laundromat, septic, and hazardous‑waste businesses.
What businesses did he found?
He started with laundromats, then a septic‑service company in the 1970s, and later added hazardous‑waste treatment.
Who is his wife?
His wife is Rosalie DeSantis Macchio, who managed the home and supported his ventures.
How many children does he have?
He has four children: actor Ralph Jr. (b. 1961), Steven, and two others whose names are private.
What real estate project did he pursue?
He developed a family ranch on French Mountain, Lake George, NY, and proposed the “Eagle Flyer” zip line.
Does he use social media?
No, he keeps a low profile and has no personal social media accounts.
References
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/the-karate-kids-dad-fights-for-a-mountaintop-zip-line-2401966 | Detailed Ralph Sr.’s transition from laundromat operations to founding a septic and hazardous‑waste treatment company and his proposal for the Eagle Flyer zip‑line on French Mountain. |
| https://www.aupetitgourmand.com/14632807/ralph-macchio-sr-the-father-of-a-karate-kid/ | Published a profile feature titled “Ralph Macchio Sr.: The Father Of A Karate Kid,” highlighting his decades‑long marriage, entrepreneurial successes, and dedication as a family man. |
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Macchio | Provides personal and family details, including his marriage to Rosalie DeSantis and his children Ralph Jr., Steven, and two additional offspring. |
