NILES - Ralph J. "Big Ralph" Ciletti Sr., 88, of Niles, died at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept.7, 2012, at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren.
He was born May 24, 1924, in Niles, the son of Thomas and Vincenza Cella Ciletti.
Ralph was employed as a supervisor at the Pepsi Cola Co. for 43 years, retiring in 1986, a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles, the Bagnoli Iripino Club, San Felipe Neri Lodge in Niles and the Civilian Conservation Corps.
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Ralph J. Ciletti Sr.
He was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed bowling and golfing.
Ralph served as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps in 781st Platoon in the South Pacific during World War II.
His wife, Laila Uusitalo Ciletti, whom he married June 28, 1947, died Nov. 13, 1995.
Ciletti will be deeply missed by two sons, Ralph J. (Beverly) Ciletti Jr. of Niles and Robert T. (Catherine) Ciletti of Cortland; a daughter, Susan (Mark) Jamieson of Girard; two sisters, Lucille Redmond of Niles and Patty DiEugenio of Tempe, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Mark Jamieson Jr., JoAnna Ciletti, Robert Ciletti Jr., Kristen (Dan) Aurilio and James (Tiffany) Ciletti; two great-grandchildren, Tatum Ciletti and Kellan Ciletti; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Ciletti; and three sisters, Mary Krueger, Elvira Ciletti and Jane Ciletti.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles, where the Mount Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 6:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, with the Rev. John-Michael Lavelle officiating, preceded by a 9:30 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery, where Ralph will be honored for his military service by the Trumbull County American Legion Honor Guard.
Friends may view this obituary, sign the guestbook and send email condolences at josephrossifuneralhome.com.
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