YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Ralph Edward Donofrio, 85, died peacefully at his home with his loving family by his side on Friday, July 23, 2021.
Ralph was born in Youngstown, Ohio on March 10, 1936, to Daniel Anthony and Gemma (Camardo) Donofrio.
He attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and graduated from East High School in 1954. He continued his education at Youngstown University.
Youngstown East High School Alumni Tribute
After graduating from high school, he proudly served as an MP in the US Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He was awarded the Purple Heart and other medals of honor.
He worked as a carpenter with his brother for over 45 years. Even after his retirement, he never missed an opportunity to put on his tool belt and pull out his tools to remodel and build things for family and friends. He perfected his craft and took great pride in his work.
Ralph was a member of the Carpenters Union, was a former Jr. Vice President of ITAM Post 3, a member of the VFW, American Legion and ITAM Post 44.
He enjoyed dancing several nights a week, going to the casinos, playing poker with his friends weekly, and fishing on Lake Erie, but his greatest joy was when he was with his ever-growing family on holidays and family dinners. He loved sitting around listening to his children and grandchildren talk about the great times he had during his childhood and telling his family stories about the events in his life. His love for family and life was the greatest gift he gave to everyone. He raised his children according to the mantra “We may not have much, but we have one another” and lived by it until his death. Whether you were a family by blood or choice, he always let you know your worth and the love he had for you through his words and deeds.
On April 22, 1960, he married the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” McBride. Together they built a family and a house in Youngstown until her death on July 7, 1989.
Ralph leaves behind his children Michael (Erin) Donofrio von Struthers, Michelle (Michael) Fabian von Boardman and Maureen Shovlin von Struthers. He was “dad” for 12 grandchildren, Sara, Michael, Angelina and Joseph Donofrio, Jessica (Spencer) Starnes, Kayla Sciaretta, Meagan, Anthony and Francesca Ambrosini, Michael Fabian, Drew and Courtney Pearson. He was also “Little Papa” for ten great-grandchildren, Gabriele, Isaac, Jackson, Macy, Emma, Mason, Owen, Madison, Kai and Gavin. He is also survived by his brother Eugene “Corky” Donofrio and his wife Marion; Sister-in-law Lillian “Lil” Donofrio; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In death his parents Daniel and Gemma preceded him; his wife Peggy; Son John Patrick Donofrio and a brother Daniel A. Donofrio.
Consultation hours followed by a prayer service are scheduled for Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman.
The family would like to Dr. Arthur Duran, Dr. Thank John Graham and Akeso Hospice Home Health Care for the amazing care and compassion shown to Ralph and his family during his illness.
The family asks for donations instead of flowers.
Family and friends can visit the Book of Memories below www.rossifunerals.com to offer condolences to Ralph’s family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph E. Donofrio, please visit our Warm sympathies store.
A TV Tribute will air Tuesday, July 27, at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV, and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV.
