Ralph J. Anastasia

Olean- Ralph J. Anastasia of Maple Street, Olean, passed away Monday (September 5, 2022) at the Olean General Hospital.

Born September 30, 1925, in Olean, he was one of twelve children born to Frank and Carmella Alessi Anastasia. On October 8, 1949, he married Marie DeMark, who predeceased him on November 14, 2017.

Ralph was a graduate of Olean High School and served in the National Guard.  He worked as a shipping foreman for McGraw Edison in Olean.  He was a longtime member of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church and the Olean Christopher Columbus Lodge. Ralph also served as Olean City Alderman for the former Ward 11 for several years.

In his free time, Ralph enjoyed watching horse races, playing cards and bocce.  He also enjoyed spending time with his family pets (most recently Angelo). Most of all, he loved time with his family and celebrating Italian traditions.

Ralph is survived by; four children, Lena (Robert) Shipley of Waterloo, Nancy (David) Crawford of Olean, Joseph (Vickie) Anastasia of Olean, and David Anastasia of Olean; eight grandchildren, Jeffrey Shipley, Christine Shipley, Brian Crawford, Timothy Crawford, Jessica Anastasia, Stephanie Anastasia, Andrea Sulewski, and Nicole Putt; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dennis Anastasia and Albert Anastasia both of Olean; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife, he was predeceased by; nine siblings, Joseph Anastasia, Carl Anastasia, Anthony Anastasia, Frank Anastasia, Jr., Yoland Edwards, Helen Suda, Rosemary Kiesel, Phyllis Scott, and Jeanette Douthit.

Family will receive friends on Thursday from 4-7pm at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean.  Funeral services will be held on Friday (September 9, 2022) beginning with a 9:30am prayer service at the funeral home, followed by a 10am Mass of Christian Burial at St. John’s Church, 931 N. Union Street, Olean. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.

In lieu of flowers, please pray Mass Intentions at your parish of choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.