Ralph H. Infante

Retired letter carrier was gardener, bocce player

Ralph H. Infante, 1054 Memorial Blvd., Sharon, passed away at 11:23 p.m. Saturday (7-29-06) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after an extended illness. He was 83.

Ralph was born May 21, 1923, in Farrell, a son of the late Domenic and Antoinette Pannetti Infante.

He was a lifelong area resident and a 1941 alumnus of Farrell High School.

Ralph served with the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War.

He was employed by the Sharon Post Office as a letter carrier for 30 years, retiring in 1982. He was also a barber for many years at the former Lombardo Barber Shop in Farrell.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Sharon.

Ralph was very active until his health began to decline earlier this year. He was a member and past officer of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286, Farrell, was a member of the American Legion Post 160 and the Italian Home Club, both Farrell, and served on the board of directors at the former Western Pennsylvania Federal Credit Union.

Ralph was an avid gardener who loved to share his vegetables. He also enjoyed bocce and played often at the American Legion and the Italian Home Club. He was a member and past officer for the Monday night men’s bowling league at Sunset Lanes, Farrell.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he leaves: his wife at home, the former Ethel M. Klemis, whom he married June 28, 1952, in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Sharon; his daughter, Annette Marie Holiga, Hermitage; his son, Ralph James Infante, husband of Holly, Woodstock, Ga.; three grandsons, Anthony Infante, Matthew Holiga and Daniel Holiga; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Albert, Domenic and Anthony Infante; and two sisters, Rose Rudich and Mary Flickinger.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph’s Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon 16146.

INFANTE

Ralph H., 83, of 1054 Memorial Blvd., Sharon.

Calling hours: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday (8-2-06) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Friends may e-mail condolences to McGonigleFuneralHome@verizon.net

Service: Funeral Mass will be Thursday (8-3-06) in St. Joseph’s Church, Sharon, with the time and clergy to be announced.

Interment: St. Rose’s Cemetery, Hermitage, with military honors provided by the Farrell VFW Honor Guard.