Ralph De Vite

Ralph Andrew “Sonny” De Vite of Masury, Ohio, entered the gates of the celestial lodge above at 11:14 PM Saturday, November 28, 2015, following a period of declining health. He was 87.

Ralph was born at home in Masury, on December 20, 1927, a son to Andrew & Augusta (Doyle) De Vite.

Self was forgotten the day that he left his home to defend our flag and to help keep our country free. He enlisted with the United States Marine Corps and proudly served during WWII where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. Following an honorable discharge, he came home. Encouraged to go out on a blind date, he met a gal named Edith Holton. They fell in love and soon married on December 15, 1948. A short time later, Uncle Sam called Ralph back into service during the Korean Conflict. This war soon passed and Ralph came home again.

Reunited once again with his bride, they started a family. Born to this union where three children, Sharon, Suzanne, and Daniel.

He found employment to support his family at Sharon Steel. He dedicated the next 44 years to this company before his retirement. In addition, he taught vocational skills for Operation Outward Reach, an inmate program in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.

His memberships include: 50 year member of Jerusalem Lodge #19 F&AM, Hartford, Ohio; former Deacon at East Side Baptist-Disciple of Christ, Sharon; and recently attended Brookfield Christian Church, Brookfield, Ohio.

In his spare time, he enjoyed building with his hands, being skilled as a bricklayer mason, and proud to have built his own home. He also loved traveling. Ralph also was featured in a 2009 article published in Time Magazine when he was a patient at the Cleveland Clinic.

Survivors include: his wife, Edith, whom he spent 66 years together holding hands; his daughters, Sharon Lohr Howard & her husband Don, Hermitage, Pennsylvania, and Suzanne Carter Barner & her husband Dr. David, Mercer, Pennsylvania; his son, Daniel Paul De Vite & his wife Kim, Masury; his sister, Agnes Stout and Mary Ellen Marstellar, both of Cleveland, Ohio; his five grandchildren, Tracey Rose & her husband Steve, James Lohr & his wife Robyn, John Albin Carter, Jr. & his wife Suzanne, James Earl Carter, & Aimee Carter Peters & her husband Chris; his twelve and ½ great-grandchildren, Kolbe, Jaxin, Rieyn, & Knoxx Lohr; Matt, Justin, & Ava Rose; Jac, Zac, & Claire Carter; Jayne, Catherine Peters & one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles "Cookie" De Vite; and by his sister, Shirley Brest.

A time of gathering will be held in Ralph’s honor on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 from 10-12 PM in the Brookfield Christian Church concluding with a masonic service. His celebration continues with a funeral service at 12 PM. He will be laid to rest in the Brookfield Township Cemetery with military honors.

As suggested by his family, material contributions can be made in Ralph’s memory to the American Cancer Society c/o the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

Coordination of this tribute for Mr. De Vite will be presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, LLC, 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403 (330-509-3135).