Ralph Conte, a 103-year-old World War II veteran from South Carolina, has always had a deep passion for photography that has lasted a lifetime. Drafted into the United States Army at 21 years old in 1942, Conte served in the 94th Infantry, Division 301st Infantry, Company F, and traveled to nine different countries during the war.
Despite being wounded by shrapnel and receiving a Purple Heart medal, Conte never saw himself as a hero. After being honorably discharged in 1948, he began pursuing his love for photography. Ten years later, he opened his own photography business, “Conte Studios,” in Bergenfield, New Jersey.
Throughout his career, Conte attended photography conventions and received awards for his exceptional work. Even at 103 years old, he still enjoys taking photos, particularly at the Biltmore in North Carolina. His granddaughter, Jessica Graf, shared how he continues to have a keen eye for capturing beautiful moments.
Graf also mentioned Conte’s tech-savvy nature, as he is active on social media, edits his own photos, and even uses an Apple Watch. Despite his age, he remains up to date with the latest technology and continues to share his love for photography with others.
In addition to his photography skills, Conte is a man of faith who prays daily and finds gratitude in every situation. He was married to the love of his life, Veronica Sarubbi, for over 60 years until her passing in 2007. Together, they raised five children, instilling strong values and faith in each of them.
As a source of inspiration to his family, Conte’s granddaughter, Jessica Graf, emphasized how he motivates her to live in the moment and focus on what truly matters. At present, Conte is capturing the beauty of the Carolinas through his lens, editing and selling his timeless freelance pictures as a hobby.
Despite his age and wartime experiences, Ralph Conte’s lifelong passion for photography continues to bring joy to those around him. His dedication to capturing life’s moments serves as a reminder to cherish every memory and find beauty in the world around us.