Ralph J. Tolone, Sr.'s Obituary
Ralph J. Tolone, Sr., 99, of Warners, NY, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021, in his home under the loving care of his family. The loving son of deceased parents, Mary Elizabeth (Metallo) and George B. Tolone, was born on October 3, 1921, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ralph was a proud WWII Navy veteran who later worked for General Electric for 45 years. He was an adoring husband to his wife, Helen M. (Schupp) Tolone, who passed away in 2006. They were married for 66 years.
Ralph stayed curious throughout the years, acquiring many unique interests, including playing the violin, learning to fly planes, teaching himself photography, and boxing in the Navy (he became a quick learner once he realized winners were awarded leave to visit home). He was a loyal and unwavering SU sports fan, cheering on the football and basketball teams each season. Ralph continued numerous hobbies throughout his life with family and friends - daily nature walks, hunting, fishing, golfing, and bowling were some of his favorite pastimes. He remained active well into his 90s and “played some great golf,” becoming a member of the TTA Golf League in 2018, where he was thankful to spend time with league members, among them his son and grandson. Ralph loved tending his garden and was a great cook. He often advocated that the young people in the family learn how to make a home-cooked Italian meal. Many of his own large, Italian family meals centered on him at the dining room table. Family would gather around to hear his stories. You never knew if you were about to hear a tried-and-true staple, or a new story that no one had heard before. With so much life lived, his wealth of experience, knowledge, perspective, and wisdom was limitless.
Above all else, his greatest achievement, his pride and joy, was his family. Most recently, at his 99th birthday celebration this past October, Ralph spoke these words to his loving family: “I look back, and I had a pretty great life. Very active, did a lot of things, and I watched my family grow. That was the most important thing to me in my life - my family. You’re always in my heart, I love every one of you (even the newcomers!).”
Ralph was certainly met by his loving wife, Helen Tolone, and his granddaughter, Stephanie Tolone, both of whom predeceased him. He is also predeceased by his siblings: Dominic and Joseph Tolone, and Teresa DeFranco. Ralph is survived by his two sons: Ralph Tolone, Jr. and Robert (Deborah) Tolone; his grandchildren: Lisa (Nathaniel) Reed, Lori (David) Parks, Rebecca (Christopher) O’Hara, and Joseph (Samantha) Tolone; his great-grandchildren: Kaci (Scott) Chase, Elizabeth (Nicholas) Harper, Emily O’Hara (Francis Bartkowiak), D’Anna Reed, Christopher O’Hara (Alisha Whiting), David Parks, and Aviana Tolone; five great-great-grandchildren; his siblings: George (Phyllis) Tolone and Gregory Tolone, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, February 12, 2021, from 11 am to 1 pm, followed by a Funeral Service in celebration of Ralph’s life at 1 pm at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. To attend the service remotely, please visit Ralph’s tribute page at tjpfuneralhome.com at 1 pm on Friday. Entombment with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary’s Mausoleum, DeWitt.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VFW Post 153, Salina & Wood, Baldwinsville, NY 13027.
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