Ronald F. Graziano

Ronald F. Graziano passed away on March 27, 2020 surrounded by his family, resting peacefully at home on hospice care, after a brief but difficult battle with lung cancer. Ron grew up in the South Oakland area of Pittsburgh on Frazier Street.  He was the son of Frank and Amelia (Mercurio) Graziano.  As was common in those days, the front porch and living area of their home were converted into Frank’s barber shop and the family lived upstairs.  Amelia worked in that now rare but ever-beautiful profession of stay-at-home wife and mom.

 

Upon graduation from Central Catholic High School Ron served his country as a peacetime Marine. He worked for UPS until 1975, then purchased and operated a small grocery store.  In recent years he enjoyed driving for Uber, conversing with folks on many walk of life from many countries.  He especially loved the local college students and their stories.  His student passengers loved him back, often repeat-Ubering with him, and bringing along to meet him their parents visiting from abroad. He was a smiling, confidence-building force of life.

 

Ron was married to his wife Dorothy (Bonicky) for forty-five years and is survived by their beloved children, Darci (and Michael) Langan, Ronald [and Roberta], David [and Patty] and his two dearly beloved grandchildren, Maria and Andrew.  He is also survived by his beloved daughter, Carly.

 

He was a deeply loved brother of five siblings James (and Millie), Frances (and Ed), John (and Ann), Margaret (and Jerry), and Robert (and Dorothy) who preceded him in death. All his life he remained close to and beloved by his many cousins, nieces and nephews.

 

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of life will be held at a future date in light of these unprecedented times.  Family and friends will be notified. In memory please donate to St. Paul Cathedral Churches of St. Regis, St. Rosalia and St. Stephen or to Ron’s favorite charity for kids with cancer, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.