Ralph J. Carella, Jr., 73


Youngstown – There will be funeral services at 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home in Boardman followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica in Youngstown with Rev. Michael Swierz celebrating for Ralph J. Carella, Jr., 73, who passed away Saturday February 28, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was born October 2, 1941, in Youngstown, the son of Ralph J. and Josephine (Pettola) Carella. Ralph was a 1961 graduate of Boardman High School and courageously served his country in the U.S. Air Force as military police during the Vietnam Era. He worked for American Envelope, General Fireproofing, Public Finance, where he met the love of his life, and General Motors where he retired in 2005 after 35 years. He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica. Ralph enjoyed meeting with friends for coffee at Panera where they solved the world’s problems. He also enjoyed traveling to Florida and going on cruises with his sisters. He was an avid Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns fan. Ralph will always be lovingly remembered by his wife, the former Kathleen Smith whom he married on September 10, 1970; daughter, Angela (John) Conti of Boardman; grandson, Ryan Conti; Godchild, Julie Rizer of Poland and Godchild, Jason Johnston of Columbus; Godchild and niece, Nicale Lynn Caravella of Ocala, FL; nephew, Patrick (Ashley) McCormick of Crestview, FL; Godchild and great-niece, Katelyn Pleasant of Ocala, FL; great-niece, Danielle McCormick; great-nephew, Jacob McCormick; many loving nieces and nephews; sister, JoAnne (Thomas) Caravella of Ocala, FL; and his beloved pets, especially Holly Marie. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Carella and sister, Nancy Ann Carella. Friends may call today from 4 to 7 p.m. on at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman where at 7 p.m. Ralph’s dedicated service to our country will be furthered honored by the Great Men of V.F.W. Post 9571 of Ellsworth. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. John Koval, Dr. Ed Miller, Cardiologists, and the staffs at Boardman Dialysis, Greenbriar and Austinwoods for the kind and compassionate care shown to Ralph. Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Ralph’s family.

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