Ralph P. DeGifis

Warren – Ralph P. DeGifis, 97, passed away Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Cleveland Clinic.

            He was born November 1, 1920, in Warren, Ohio the son of the late Rocco and Christina DeGifis.

            He was a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School where he played football as halfback also was on the track team. He retired from Van Huffle as a machinist for 30 years. He previously worked at Packard Electric. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Warren and belonged to the YMCA. On November 14, 2010 he was named honorary Captain at the Kent State University and Army Football game in Kent. He had been a five-time cancer survivor and received a special congressional recognition for his outstanding and invaluable service to the community on September 20, 2008. 

            Ralph served our country in U.S. Army as a Sgt. In the 168^th Engineer Division had had received five Battle Stars in the European Theater, Distinguished Unit Citation, the Belgium Croix de Guerra and Letter of commendation from the Holocaust Council and had fought in the battle of the Bulge.

            He is survived by his children David (JoAnn) DeGifis of Warren, and Elaine (Tim Bauer) Park of Warren, four grandchildren Adrain (Vanessa), Kimberly DeGifis, and Matthew (Alison), and Richard (Danielle) Park, six great grandchildren, and a sister Grace Prince of Cortland.

            He is preceded in death by his wife Helen DeGifis who passed away December 13, 2016, a brother Vincent DeGifis and a sister Isabell DeGifis.

            There will be memorial calling hours Tuesday, May 15, 2018 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by a full Military Service at 11:00 a.m. and memorial service at 11:15 a.m. with Pastor Denise Gunderson officiating.

            Burial will be in All Souls at a later date.

            In lieu of flowers, contributions may be in Ralph’s name to the Warren Relay for Life.

             Family and friends may visit www.peterrossieandsonfh.com to view this obituary sign the guestbook and send condolences to the DeGifis family.

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