Ralph J. Ferrara, 99, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, August 2, 2017. He was born March 24, 1918, in Youngstown, the son of James and Antoinette (Serafini) Ferrara. Ralph was a 1937 graduate of East High School and courageously served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He worked for Commercial Shearing and Stamping from 1940 to 1953 and then moved to Syracuse, NY, where he went on to work for the Chrysler Corporation, retiring after 30 years of service. He was a member of Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nicholas Church, the East High School Breakfast Club and ITAM Post 3. In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed fellowship at the VFW with fellow Veterans, attending the East High School reunions, watching football, and golfing. His wife, the former Clara B. Barone, whom he married in 1947, passed away in 1983. Ralph will always be remembered lovingly by his nephew, Ralph (Denise) Nespeca, niece, Annette (Chuck) Petrarca, nephew, John (Anne) Holecko; niece, Kathy Thomas; and several great nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Connie Nespeca, and Carmel Holecko; and two nieces, Virginia Nespeca and Leanna Nespeca. Friends may call from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, August 4, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman, followed by a 5:30 p.m. funeral service. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Maplecrest Nursing Home for the kind and compassionate care shown to Ralph. Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Ralph's family.

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