Ralph J. Jaworski, 83, Former Lorain Street Superintendent

He was born in Lorain on February 24, 1922 and had been a life-long resident of the city.

Ralph was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran serving as a Boatswain’s Mate Second Class & Rescue Mission Specialist in the Pacific Theater. He was the recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, the American Theater Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

He was formerly employed as the Street Superintendent for the City of Lorain; he retired from that position in 1976 following thirty-two years of service with the municipality. Following his retirement, he worked in a part-time capacity for Jaworski Aluminum, which was operated by his brother.

Mr. Jaworski was a parishioner of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Lorain where he was also a member of the Holy Name Society and served as a volunteer for Boy Scout Troop 349 there.

He was an avid fisherman and a member of the Polish Fisherman’s Club of Lorain. Additional hobbies included both flower and vegetable gardening as well as league bowling. He was also an amateur radio operator using the call letters K8ZYZ.

Survivors include his wife of sixty years Angeline (nee Sofra), a son Ralph J. Jaworski, Jr. of Elyria, daughters Linda Grasso of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Karen Szymusiak of Sunbury, Ohio, and Jean Leach of Climax, Michigan, thirteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, sisters Rita Swartz, Vernie Unger, and Dorothy Turton all of Lorain, and brothers Robert and Rich Jaworski of Lorain, and Dan and John Jaworski of Amherst.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Sofia (nee Bash) Jaworski, and by brothers Jerry, Herman, and Joseph.

Friends may call Sunday, January 22, 2006, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway Avenue – Lorain where a rosary service will be conducted by the officers and members of the Nativity B.V.M. Holy Name Society at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral chapel and will be followed by the celebration of his funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. in Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church – 1454 Lexington Avenue – Lorain. The Reverend Robert Glepko, pastor of the parish will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery – Lorain.

The family encourages memorial contributions to Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church – 418 West 15th Street – Lorain, Ohio 44052.