RALPH ZOPPELT

NORTH JACKSON – Ralph Zoppelt died at his home, early Wednesday morning following a lengthy illness surrounded by his family.

The son of the late Rudolph and Philomena Capots Zoppelt, he was born June 6, 1940, in Youngstown.

Ralph’s career began after high school when he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne as a paratrooper and continued after his service with U.S. Steel, where he worked in the Chemistry Lab for 21 years before its closing in 1979. He then attended and graduated from Kent State University. Then, in an entrepreneurial spirit, Ralph, opened his own landscaping business, R.Z. Landscaping, which he operated for the next 20 years.

Ralph’s true love was his family, especially his four grandchildren. One of his last concerns was being sure the golf cart had batteries so the kids would be able to drive around the yard.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Ruth, whom he married June 27, 1977. In addition, he is survived by three daughters, Laura (William) Akers of Canfield, Beth (Jamie) Baisden of Boardman and Lisa Zoppelt of Las Vega; two sons, John (Gail) Zoppelt of Letonia and Ralph Zoppelt of Youngstown; four grandchildren, Smantha Rock of Struthers, Logan Baisden, Krista Baisden and Ryan Akers; one sister, Barbara (Chuck) Elsbury; and two brothers, Rudy Zoppelt of Canfield and Ronald Zoppelt of Austintown.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Zopplet and one sister, Betty Zoppelt.

Visitation for Ralph will be held Friday evening from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Higgins Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, with the funeral service at 6 p.m., officiated by Pastor Rick Enlow.