Ralph A. Palette 1931-2025

Born on October 16, 1931, in Warren, Ralph was the son of the late John W. Sr. and Marie E. Miller Palette.

A proud graduate of Howland High School, Class of 1949, Ralph answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. As a member of the Marine Detachment aboard the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Newport News, the flagship of the Sixth Naval Fleet, he served with honor and distinction, eventually earning the rank of Staff Sergeant.

In 1953, Ralph married the love of his life, Barbara R. Mines. Together, they shared 63 beautiful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, and dedication.

Professionally, Ralph was a man of sharp intellect and industrious spirit. He began his career at Republic Steel, where he completed an electrical apprenticeship and pursued further studies in electronics engineering through the International Correspondence School. His commitment and skill led him to become Plant Manager of the Manufacturing Division in Youngstown and later a Technical Representative for Coil Coating in Cleveland. Ralph’s career later took him to Morin Building Products in Bristol, Connecticut, where he served as Vice President of Operations. He eventually relocated to Riverside, California, taking on the role of Proposal Engineer and later Senior Operations Specialist at FATA Hunter Engineering Company. He continued to share his expertise as a consultant even after retirement.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ralph was a man of many passions. He was a skilled woodworker, loved restoring antique furniture, enjoyed home remodeling, and had a keen eye for painting and coin collecting. Golf was among his favorite pastimes.

His faith was an important part of his life, and he was a devoted member of Howland Community Church, where he served as a Deacon.

Ralph’s legacy lives on through his loving family: children Deborah (Ray) Claus of Plainfield, Ind.; Leslie (Sandra) Palette of Howland; and Lori (Wayne-Rick) Wilson of Vienna; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and his sister-inlaw, Elaine Palette of Vienna. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, who passed away in 2017; his parents; his brothers, Robert Sr., John Jr., James and Wilbert “Bill” Palette; sister, Marion “June” Rausch; grandson, Shaun Palette; granddaughter-in-law, Dana (Britt) Wilson; nephew, Robert Palette Jr.; sisters-in-law, Oleta Latham Palette, Loretta Perry Palette, and Joan (Skidmore) Palette; and an infant great-granddaughter.

A memorial service will take place at a later date. There will be no calling hours.

Family and friends are invited to share condolences and memories by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward, you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73.

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