Ralph Edward Zaletel

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Ralph Edward Zaletel, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left us peacefully on April 18, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on June 21, 1941, in Elyria, Ohio, Ralph was the beloved son of Frank and Josephine Zaletel, who instilled in him the values of hard work, kindness, and family loyalty that he carried throughout his life. Ralph spent his career in the grocery industry, where he was known not only for his dedication and work ethic but also for the warmth he shared with colleagues and customers alike. After retiring, Ralph found joy in working part-time at an auto auction, where his friendly nature and integrity continued to shine. A man of diverse interests, Ralph was passionate about bowling, softball, and golf, sports that not only brought him joy but also fostered lifelong friendships. His love for old westerns and the Cleveland Indians was well-known, and he could often be found enjoying a game or a western with a smile on his face. He had a unique talent for building and flying gas model airplanes, a hobby that combined his love of craftsmanship and adventure. Ralph's greatest legacy, however, is the love and devotion he showed to his family. He was a good family man, caring and supportive, with a tender, giving heart that made everyone around him feel valued and cherished. His beloved wife of 52 years, Alice, survives him, along with his children, Leah Stanton and Dennis Heusser. His siblings John Zaletel, and Patti Rader. Ralph was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren and the adoring great-grandfather of three great-grandchildren, all of whom were the light of his life. A graveside rights of Ralph's life will be held on April 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Fairmount Cemetery on Alameda. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor a life well-lived and a man deeply loved, at Scooters on Alameda Potomic, afterwards. In this time of sorrow, Ralph's family finds comfort in their faith and the belief that they will one day be reunited with him in heaven. They wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have shared in their grief and joy, and who remember Ralph for the wonderful man he was. As his family beautifully expressed, "We will truly miss him. We find comfort in our faith and knowing we will see him again in heaven." Ralph Edward Zaletel’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and friendship. While his presence will be sorely missed, his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.