Obituary of Ralph Joseph DiNicola

Ralph Joseph DiNicola, 68, passed away on April 10, 2018 after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. The oldest of five boys, Ralph was born in Akron, Ohio on October 11, 1949. After attending Hoban High School, he graduated from Notre Dame in 1971 with a degree in English. Ralph started his career at Roadway Express before moving on to FirstEnergy, where he spent over 30 years in public relations. He retired from his role as Vice President of Communications at the age of 58. Ralph kept those around him laughing with his razor-sharp wit and flair for unique nicknames. Always behind the humor was a huge heart, and a great love for his friends and family; he would do anything for the people he loved. Ralph enjoyed combing the beach for shark teeth during family vacations, golfing with his friends, boating on Portage Lakes, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Antonette, and his brothers, Joe and Guy. Ralph is survived by his wife of 44 years, Pamela nee Scaglione; children, Nick (Kathleen), Laura, and John (Valerie) DiNicola; grandchildren, Colin DiNicola and Adriana and Lucia Wilkerson; brothers Mike (Peggi) and Tom; and nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 15 at Anthony and Son Funeral Home, 4178 Massillon Road in Green (corner of Massillon and Steese Roads, entrance off Steese Rd.). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church 1800 Steese Rd. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. (Anthony, GREEN, 330-899-9790, anthonyfh.com)