Ralph J. Fracchione, 79, WWII Veteran, B&O Railroad retiree

He was born April 24, 1924 and lived most of his life in Lorain. He had also lived in S. Amherst as a child.

He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and served during World War II. He worked as a Longshoreman for 37 years for the B&O Railroad (now CSX), retiring in 1984. He was a Pilgrim Degree member of Moose Lodge #552, Lorain, and the Catholic Church of St Peter. He was an avid gardener.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Fracchione (nee Shumaker) step daughters Victoria Pugh of Lorain and Robin Ansell of Vermilion, step sons Richard Hill of Lorain, Timothy Hill of Elyria, and Charles Hill of Vermilion, 12 step grandchildren, two step great grandchildren, a sister Betty Bennett of Lorain, and several nieces, nephews, and aunts.

Preceding him in death were his parents Joseph Fracchione and Rose Cappasso, brothers Paul and Frank Fracchione, sisters Jeanette Tremaine and Adeline Fracchione.

Friends may call Sunday, January 11, 2004 form 4-7 p.m. at the Dombrowski-Volak-Riddle Funeral Home, 1939 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain, where services will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 2506 Broadway, Lorain, Ohio 44052.