Eda Ragghanti 1937-2025

It was on an early May morning, May 18, 1937, that Eda was born to Rocco and Maria Soldo (deceased) in East Palestine. Eda was the seventh of eight children. Her siblings, Pat Soldo, Ben Soldo, Mary Davis, Rose Slavens, Natalie Richie, Dena Bozick and Nino Soldo, all preceded her in death.

Eda had a rich and full life, starting with her high school career. She was part of the yearbook staff. Because of their close bond, Eda and her brother, Nino, were featured on the front pages of the 1956 East Palestine High School yearbook.

In her life, Eda had many adventures. The first was moving to Washington, D.C., and working at The Pentagon in the secretarial pool. Eda returned to East Palestine and worked for Bozick Insurance Company as an office manager and adjuster. Not completely fulfilled, Eda decided to go to Lewis, Weinberger, and Hill Beauty School in Youngstown. Her peers renamed her Edie, her personal and professional name for the rest of her life.

Edie had a long and successful career as a cosmetology instructor and dean of students at Long and McElveen in Warren; Lewis, Weinberger, and Hill in Niles; and Raphael’s School of Beauty and Culture in Niles. Her career spanned from the 1960s through the early 2000s, when she ended her career working for BoRics in Niles as a hairdresser.

In 1967, Edie married Elmer “Al” Ragghanti, who preceded her in death. Edie and Elmer enjoyed dinners and dancing around the Youngstown and Warren area; many fond memories were made at the Idora Park Ballroom.

Edie and Al had two daughters, Anna Ragghanti-Crowe (Thomas Crowe) and Lori Eichelberger (Walt). Lori gave Edie two grandchildren, Alan and Rachel Eichelberger. Edie also leaves many well-loved nieces and nephews.

Edie loved her little family endlessly. Her home was the site of many spaghetti dinners for family and friends. Edie was a wonderful cook and baker. She hosted many well-attended and loved parties with her husband, Al.

Anyone who knew Edie was very lucky. She was full of love for everyone she met. Edie was a wonderful conversationalist with a humorous disposition. Up until a month ago, Edie cut her own grass. Her home was lovely with a well-manicured lawn and a sweetly arranged home.

She will be greatly missed and cherished by her daughters and grandchildren. Everyone who knew her will miss her vivaciousness, her cooking and her entertaining stories. We love you more, Edie Ragghanti!

A celebration of this life with a Roman Catholic Mass will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at St. Anthony Church, 1125 Turin Ave., Youngstown. Calling hours will be 10 to 11 a.m.

Following Mass, Edie will be interred in Calvary Cemetery, 248 S. Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown.

Please visit www.schiavonefh.com to share condolences.

(special notice)