Ralph Richard Barra Jr.

Ralph Richard Barra Jr. of Cottonwood Heights, Utah, passed away on January 8, 2026, at the age of 76.

From an early age, Rich was a musician. He began playing the clarinet in childhood, developing an ear for music that grew into a lifelong passion. He could talk for hours about sound and spent countless more hours fine-tuning his home audio system. Rich loved sharing that experience with anyone willing to sit down for a track or two…or ten. After retiring early from Trojan Explosives, he founded his own home theater and pro-audio business, Aurant, which allowed him to share his love of music and sound with fellow audiophiles.

Two places held a special kind of magic for Rich: Italy and Hawaii. Italy spoke to his love of beauty, history, food, and the way a long meal can turn into a celebration. Hawaii matched his appreciation for wonder - the ocean, the sunsets, and the calm that settles in when you finally stop rushing. Rich also enjoyed planning adventures for family and friends, always wanting to share that joy with others.

Rich’s devotion to his Catholic faith was paramount. Over the last 20 years, he organized retreats, presentations, and adult faith programs at St. Thomas More and the St. Catherine of Siena Newman Center. He loved sharing his spiritual journey with anyone who would listen, including total strangers.

Above all, Rich’s greatest pride and deepest joy was his family. He spent 54 years sharing life with his beloved wife, Joyce, whom he met after a chance encounter at a college dance. He is survived by Joyce; his children Chris (Sara), Rebecca (Kyle), and Erin (Caesar); and his cherished grandchildren Charlie, Margot, August, and Navy. Rich was also especially close to Mary Mone (Susan) and his fraternity brothers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Pearl Barra.

In his final years, Rich was known for keeping a handwritten list called “Best Things for Rich,” a collection of reasons to be grateful. Our greatest comfort is knowing he has now fulfilled one final entry on that list: “Rejoice in Heaven after I die.”

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Cottonwood Heights on January 17 at 11:00 a.m. A rosary precedes the Mass starting at 10:40 AM. Those who wish to honor Rich’s memory may consider a donation to the ChristLife Program at christlife.org.