Ralph J. DeJulio

Ralph James DeJulio, 71, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. The son of Ralph and Anna (Evans) DeJulio was born in Steubenville, Ohio. A graduate of Catholic Central High School, Ralph served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Vietnamese Cross for gallantry, the Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal. After serving he returned to Steubenville. In 1975 he met the love of his life Mary Alice DiAlbert. Ralph worked at US Can for many years and retired in 2005.

Ralph had a big personality and even bigger heart. He was the life of the party and lit up every room he walked into. He loved to cook with his wife Mary Alice and on any given Sunday when you walked into their kitchen you would smell the sauce simmering on the stove and see him cranking out the homemade spaghetti. But his Sunday was never complete without a trip to the Steubenville Bakery for some Italian bread. He was famous for his pasta fagioli so much that many referred to him as “fagioli.” He was an avid golfer and loved to travel whether it be to see his family or to vacation with his love on the beaches of Aruba and St. Pete, Florida. He loved the holidays and often attended Detroit Lions football games on Thanksgiving, which gave him another nickname, “Detroit Ralph.” He was a kid at heart dressing up as Santa for many Christmases. He loved music and he sang “Oh Girl” so much that it became his license plate. Wherever you found Ralph you also found his soulmate and wife of 45 years, Mary Alice who gave him his most cherished nickname “Poppie” and “Pops” by his friend John.