Joseph Raniolo

East Palestine, OH-June 28, 2009-Joseph Raniolo, 83, of 703 W. Grant Street, went home to be with his Lord and Savior at 11:40 p.m. Sunday following a short illness.

Mr. Raniolo was born October 10, 1925 in Youngstown, a son of Samuel and Agnes Sawyer Raniolo and had lived here 59 years coming from the Smokey Hollow Youngstown area.

Joseph was a foreman for Armstrong Cork Company in Beaver Falls, PA for 34 years retiring in 1988. During that time he served as a union officer. He had also worked as a brick layer. He was in the US Navy during World War II serving in the Philippines.

He was a member of the George F. McBane Post 31 American Legion, the Edward L. McGuckin Post #4579 VFW, Fraternal Order of Eagles #1506 and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #467 all of East Palestine. He was a volunteer fireman for Unity Township and Negley Volunteer Fire Department. Joe loved to fish and garden and loved his roses. He was an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan.

His first wife, the former Marie T. Bennett, whom he married March 3, 1946 died July 21, 1964. His second wife, the former Patricia Thompson, whom he married June 6, 1974 died January 3, 2001.

He is survived by five daughters, Agnes (Harry) Joachim of Rogers, Florence (Donald) Zduniak of Howland, Joann (James) Sullivan of Hubbard, Bonita (Melvin) Peterson of East Palestine and Frances Raniolo of Struthers; a son, Joseph (Barbara) Raniolo of York, PA; a brother, Walter (Beverly) Raniolo of Wellsville; eight grandchildren, James, Jason and Jeffrey Joachim, Tracy Zduniak, David (Heidi) Peterson, Bonita (Nick) Marchionte, Bianca and Braxton Koup; two great grandchildren, Frankie and Jacob; and his grandpuppies, Donavon and Noah.

He was also preceded in death by a sister, Frances Clymire and a brother, George Raniolo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with the Reverend Michael Swierz officiating. Burial will follow in Glenview Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home, East Palestine.