Ralph Conte, a centenarian and World War II veteran from South Carolina, has always had a passion for photography. At the age of 21, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the 94th Infantry, Division 301st Infantry, Company F, during the war. Conte traveled to nine different countries during his time in the military, including England, Scotland, France, Belgium, Holland, Luxemburg, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Austria. He landed in Normandy on September 8, 1944, and two weeks later, he was struck by shrapnel, earning him a Purple Heart medal.
Despite his heroic actions during the war, Conte remains humble. His granddaughter, Jessica Graf, mentioned that he doesn’t see himself as a hero. After being honorably discharged in 1948, Conte picked up photography as a hobby. Ten years later, he opened his own photography business, known as “Conte Studios,” in Bergenfield, New Jersey. Throughout his career, Conte attended numerous conventions and received recognition for his work. Even to this day, at the age of 103, he still enjoys taking pictures, with a particular fondness for capturing images at the Biltmore in North Carolina.
Graf shared a heartwarming anecdote about her interaction with Conte, showing his sharp wit and sense of humor. She recounted a time when she had taken a photo of the New York City skyline and shared it with her grandfather. Conte cheekily responded, “I have the iPhone 15,” playfully teasing her about her older device. Despite his advanced age, Conte remains tech-savvy, actively engaging in social media, editing his own photos, and using his Apple Watch. Graf attested to his proficiency with technology, stating that he knows more about it than the average person.
Aside from his passion for photography, Conte also maintains a strong faith in God. Having been raised Catholic, he continues to be an active member of the local parish and prays daily. Despite the loss of his wife, Veronica Sarubbi, in 2007, whom he affectionately referred to as the love of his life, Conte finds solace in his faith and family. The couple had been married since August 1943 and had five children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, with another on the way. Their commitment to Catholicism influenced their children’s upbringing, instilling important values and beliefs in their family.
Graf expressed her admiration for her grandfather, highlighting his unwavering resilience and positive outlook on life. She stated that Conte’s inspiring attitude motivates her to live in the moment, keep moving forward, and not dwell on things beyond her control. At present, Conte continues to pursue photography as a hobby, focusing on capturing the beauty of the Carolinas. He spends his days editing and selling his classic freelance pictures, showcasing his enduring love for the art form.
