CAMPBELL – It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Ralph J. Valerio, 83, would like to announce his death from this life, which will occur on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 after a short illness.
A lifelong resident of Campbell, Ralph attended public school during his childhood and graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1957. He was a lifelong parishioner of Christ the Good Shepherd Parish-St. Joseph the Provider Church.
Shortly after high school, Ralph enlisted in the US Army and served from 1958 to 1960. He was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
He married his 58-year-old wife, the former Marlene T. Madura, on April 29, 1961, and started his family shortly thereafter. Ralph took an active part in raising his four children, coached his children’s athletic teams, and was an active member and participant in church and school functions. He enjoyed building and racing dragsters, which he and his brother Anthony Valerio built from scratch.
Ralph retired after 30 years of service as a machinist and union representative at Delphi Packard Electric.
He thoroughly enjoyed his other pastimes, including watching college and NFL football, auto racing and NASCAR, playing in the men’s Youngstown Morra League, and making homemade wine. He enjoyed several trips and vacations to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Florida with his wife and lifelong friends, both of whom they had made over the years. The years have also been marked by celebratory dinners, family reunions, birthdays and barbecues for family and friends.
In his later years he loved spending time with his grandchildren. Always her number one fan and cheerleader, he attended her sporting events and provided the love, guidance and nurturing that only a grandfather can provide.
Three children are left to cherish his love and memories: a daughter, Yvonne M. (Mike Beeson) of Cortland; and sons, Ralph W. of Cleveland and Mark C. of Campbell; and three grandchildren, Justin Booker of Campbell, Brandon Reyes of Columbus, and Kailey Campbell of New Springfield.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Sr. and Jennie Monaco Valerio; his wife Marlene; his daughter Lisa; a brother, Anthony; and a sister, Mary Sefner; as well as many cousins and in-laws.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the MapleCrest Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for caring for Ralph.
The family have been caring for loved ones at the Wasko Funeral Home and will be welcoming family and friends to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 from 9am to 11am. Services will follow immediately on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Michael Swierz officiating.
Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and offer our condolences to Ralph’s family.
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