Ralph R. Meranto, 84, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on July 5, 2020 at Schoellkopf Health Care Facility. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Thomas and Angeline (Paonessa) Meranto.
Ralph attended local schools and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Buffalo. He served in the Air National Guard from the late 1950’s to the early l960’s. On October 1, 1960, Ralph married Theresa M. (Pugliano) Meranto. Ralph was the owner and butcher of Meranto’s Meat Service with his father and went on to own Meranto’s Giant Food Market and Meranto’s Super Duper. He was also the store manager at Tops in Lewiston and Military Road till his retirement in 2002.
Ralph served as Chairman of Catholic Charities for the Niagara Region, as well as Chairman of Catholic Charities at St. Vincent de Paul. In addition, he served as a School Board Member at Catholic Academy and as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Vincent de Paul. He was a member of the Council of Older Adults of Niagara Falls. Ralph was an avid runner and enjoyed playing golf. In his lifetime he was on many committees at St. Charles Catholic Church, as well as community organizations and parent groups at his children’s schools.
Ralph truly enjoyed life, as he wrote in his college yearbook quote, ‘I love life’. Ralph was always smiling and ready to help anyone in need. Above all, Ralph’s life centered around his family. He enjoyed supporting his children & grandchildren in all aspects of their life’s endeavors and was happiest when his family was together for family engagements.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Ralph is survived by his children, Thomas (Deanna) Meranto, Ralph (Kathy Kenez) Meranto and Richard (Maria) Meranto; his grandchildren, Brandon (Barbara) Meranto, Alexandria Meranto, Autumn Meranto, Brooke Meranto, Christian Meranto and Zachary Meranto; great granddaughter, Marilyn Rose Meranto; his sister Deanne (John) Brinda as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his nephew, Rick Calandrelli.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8th from 3 – 7 PM at M. J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304. Ralph’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 10 AM at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Everyone please assemble at church. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Due to current circumstances, building capacity will be monitored to adhere with current regulations. For those with concerns and those out of town, the funeral service will be available on the parish Facebook page: St. Vincent de Paul Parish – Niagara Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to Catholic Charities of Buffalo. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
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