Passed away peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital after a brief illness on Friday, May 19th, 2023, at the age of 87. First born of the late Joseph and Marjorie Trepasso. Beloved brother of Shirley Russell (late Don), Beverley Bell (Bill) of Etters, Pennsylvania, Roger (late Sandy), Darlene Tyreman (Ed), Kenny (Sue) and Larry. Uncle Ralphy was special to many nieces and nephews. Fondly remembered by many extended family and friends, especially his good friends, Johnny Amendola, Vince Pianini and Vince Chilelli.
Ralphy grew up in Bayview and attended St. Stanislaus Elementary and Sault Technical High School. He worked at Algoma Steel in the Dock’s Department. He earned his automotive license while under the apprenticeship of Wes Nikkinen, before taking over his father’s Bayview Service Station business when his father was unable to. Ralph played bocce with his brothers and friends at the 48 Club and was sponsored by the Bayview Service Station. He was also member of the Bayview Athletics Club for many years. Ralphy loved the outdoors for hunting and fishing and built a hunting camp north of the Sault, where he spent many days with his family members or friends.
Ralph was a man’s man! In his later years, he began his day around 7a.m. at the Tim’s drive through picking up his regular, a medium coffee and enjoying it with a muffin while sitting in his car in the Market Mall parking lot. You could visit him in his living room where he liked watching his favourite TV shows, like the ‘Rifleman’. You could also find him sitting on a chair soaking up the sun in his hothouse vegetable garden in the summer, or in his garage reminiscing with a family member or a friend with all of his memorabilia posted on the walls. He loved telling stories about the times spent in his motorboat; water skiing, fishing or crossing the open water to the camp at Manitowoc Lake. He was a great cook at camp and his home too. Ralphy still enjoyed playing his guitar and singing his favourite songs like, ‘Shaila Luna’ (Lazy Mary) ‘Hey, Good Lookin’ and more. We will miss our brother, uncle and friend.
As per Ralph’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. Inurnment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. A family memorial service may be held at a later date. If you wish, donations may be made to ARCH, the SSM Humane Society, St. Veronica’s Parish or a charity of your choice.
Thank you to the doctor at the Sault Area Hospital’s Emergency Department as well as the doctors, nurses, and staff on 3B for their compassion and care. Special thank you to Ralph’s neighbour, Brandon Hanson and Donnie Mannette.
“BE KIND TO EACH OTHER”
Arrangements made under the care and direction of O’Sullivan Funeral Home 215 St. James Street, Sault Ste. Marie ON, 705-759-8456, www.osullivanfuneralhome.com).