Richard E. Ralich, 59, Enjoyed History, Science, but Especially His Time with His Grandchildren
Richard E. Ralich, age 59, of Lorain, passed away Tuesday February 15, 2011 at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
He was born in Lorain on November 28, 1951 and was a life-long resident of the city. Rich was a graduate of Admiral King High School as a member of the Class of 1970. He went on to serve in the United State Air Force where he fulfilled duty assignments as a Sergeant attached to the Strategic Headquarters Wing at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska.
He was employed as a technician in the BOP Shop at U.S Steel's Lorain Works retiring in 2006 following a career that spanned thirty-five years with the steel producer. While working, he was a member and former representative of United Steelworkers' Local # 1104.
Mr. Ralich was a parishioner of the Catholic Church of St. Peter in Lorain where he also served as a Eucharistic Minister; he formerly was active as a coach with the Lorain Youth Baseball League. Rich was well known for his interest in history and science and for his ability to give silly nicknames to family members. The thing he enjoyed most, however, were his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Susan (nee O'Neal), by his son Richard E. "Eli" Ralich, Jr. and his wife Jessica residing in Lorain, by daughters Nicole Taylor (Harlan) of Lorain and Sarah Fultz (Mark) of Avon, grandchildren Sierra, Jasmine, Ty’cere, Alora, "R.I.", Seth, Autumn, and Kassidee, by his mother Agnes (nee Toth) Ralich of Lorain, and by brothers Robert of Mayfield, and Raymond (Pam) of Lorain.
He was preceded in death by his father Milan Ralich in 1976.
Visitation will be today from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Funeral services will be Friday at 9 a.m. in the funeral chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:30 a.m. in the Catholic Church of St. Peter, 3501 Oberlin Avenue, with the Reverend Craig Hovanec, pastor of the parish presiding. Burial will take place later in Calvary Cemetery.
The family encourages memorial contributions to the St. Peter Parish Endowment Fund, 3655 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain, OH 44053.
To share on-line condolences with the family please visit www.gluvna.net.