James P. Ranalli, Sr.'s Obituary
James P. “Jim” Ranalli, Sr., 88, of Skaneateles, passed away peacefully at home with his wife Donna by his side on Saturday. His parents immigrated from Campobasso, Italy and he was born in Syracuse on October 30, 1926. Jim founded United Auto Supply in 1946 and in 1983 he began his retirement process. He was proud of the real estate that he owned and actively managed. Jim had great vision and always gave advice whether you wanted to hear it or didn’t think you needed to; no matter what the situation he was never wrong. Jim loved music and dancing, he taught ballroom dancing and was known as “Mr. Ronz”. He was an economical man and was able to find a sport in dancing that would cost him nothing to enjoy. Jim also enjoyed cars, trucks, boats and tractors and loved to play checkers and pitch with family and friends. He wintered for 6 months in West Palm Beach, and also enjoyed sitting on the point with friends and family at Skaneateles Lake and spending time at camp. Jim honored his parents by teaching his children about family closeness and respect; family meant everything to him.
He was predeceased by his parents, John C. and Mary (Oravetti) Ranalli and siblings, Patsy Ranalli, Mary Jane Perry and Mario J. Ranalli.
Jim is survived by his wife of 30 years, Donna (Kenyon) Ranalli; his children, Linda Ranalli of Syracuse, Georganne (William) McClusky of Orange County, CA., John J. (Rosemary) Ranalli of Skaneateles, Elizabeth A. Ranalli of Westvale, James P. (Lori) Ranalli, Jr. of Camillus and Jean (Chris) Witt of Liverpool; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; his sister, Ann Rusyniak of Syracuse; sister-in-law, Constance Ranalli, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours for family and friends will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. Please join Jim’s family in celebration of his life at Strada Mia Restaurant, 313 N. Geddes St., Syracuse on Thursday from noon to 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, just do something nice for someone today; that would be James Ranalli’s charity.
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