Santolla stated the late Philip Parris Lynott of Thin Lizzy as a major influence. Born on December 8, 1966, Santolla was a practicing Roman Catholic, which has caused controversy with Deicide fans, many of whom are against Christianity and are aware of frontman Glen Benton's open Satanism. Many were surprised that Benton even let Santolla join the band, due to his frequent criticism of the religion. However, Santolla stated that he was "not going to pretend to be some dark and evil person just so people think I'm metal," and also stated that he respected Benton, despite differences in their religion and beliefs, for not being afraid to be true to himself. In a recent interview on Australian radio, Benton stated that he had no problems working with Santolla because of his religion, saying, "Ralph's what I like to call a part-timer... I mean, his favourite song on the new album is "Death to Jesus". At a 2006 Deicide gig in Laredo, Texas that got out of control, Santolla was arrested for allegedly throwing a Red Bull can at an officer after Deicide was forced to stop playing. Santolla has always avidly proclaimed his innocence and stated that the allegations were wholesale created by the Laredo Police Department. Charges were never filed and in fact the Webb County, Texas, District Attorney has confirmed and certified that the matter will not be prosecuted due to lack of evidence. He had frequently talked about starting his own band with Steve DiGiorgio and Gene Hoglan, both of whom he worked with in Death. Before his death he was working on a new solo instrumental album, titled Requiem for Hope. This is his second solo album, his first was Shaolin Monks in the Temple of Metal. On May 24, 2007, Santolla left Deicide for reason not publicly known, but many believe that numerous death threats involving his religious beliefs, which greatly contradicted that of Deicide frontman Glen Benton. Recently though, Santolla released statements citing that it is more of a business issue than a religious one, as he claims to want to "get as far away from Earache Records as possible when the new album is done." Steve Asheim said in a recent interview that Santolla left because Deicide was not touring much. Also in 2007, Santolla was called in to fill the spot on Obituary's newest album Xecutioner's Return and the subsequent Left To Die EP, replacing Allen West after he was incarcerated until 2008. In 2010 he rejoined Deicide. In 2011, he departed Deicide. Santolla was also a guitar instructor around Tampa & would later teach to students all over the world via skype. His students have included Nocturnus guitarist Mike Davis and Order of Ennead`s John Li. He played guitar on Deathembers debut album Going Postal track 9 Hailing Down In 2013 Santolla became member of thrash metal band Toxik. Santolla's last recording would be released right before his death. He played guest guitar on the song "From Neptune Towards Assyria" for the band Order ov Riven Cathedrals from Rome, Italy on their 2018 release "Göbekli Tepe" and on the song "They Will Listen To The Dead" for the band BlightMass from Lyon/Tampa on their 2019 release "Severed From Your Soul". While the album has been released after his death, the song and the album are dedicated to him.
Death
On May 31, 2018, it was reported that Santolla had suffered a heart attack and fallen into a coma. He was taken off life support and died on June 6, 2018; he was 51 years old.
