He was born on February 11, 1929 and raised in Scranton, the son of the late Anthony and Filomena Petrella. He was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School and Pennsylvania State University. He was a resident of the East Mountain section of Scranton for the past 42 years and a member of the Holy Name of Jesus Church. He was a veteran of the US Army and served during the Korean War. Prior to retiring in 1981 he was a railroad employee of thirty years, retiring from Conrail.

Ralph was an avid Penn State football fan. He enjoyed discussing and learning about his Italian heritage, which include four trips to Italy with his wife Joanne. He loved doing small jobs around his home and especially loved spending time with his family, most especially family dinners and being with his grandchildren, who he adored.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be deeply missed by all who know him.

Surviving are his wife, Joanne of 51 years; two sons Ralph and his wife Laura of Richmond, VA, Joseph and his wife Kathryn, of Garnet Valley PA; a daughter Maria Serra and husband Mark of Moscow; eight grandchildren, Rebecca, Ross and Vance Petrella of Richmond, VA, Dominic and Gina Serra of Moscow, and Anthony, Jennifer and Nicholas Petrella of Garnet Valley, PA; a sister Dorothy Pipcho and her husband Robert of Scranton; a brother in law, Robert Redgel and his wife Joan, Dunmore; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister Clara Nardella.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Holy Name of Jesus Church, on the corner of Froude Avenue and East Elm Street.

Friends may call in the church from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The family requests that memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, 65 East Elizabeth Avenue, Suite 502, Bethlehem PA 18018-6518 or to the Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1414 East Elm Street, Scranton, PA 18505-3996.