COUNCIL #4925 - PIUS XII REMEMBERS |
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Ralph "Ralph the Mailman" Viggiano, 90, a resident of Monroeville since 1946, died peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2008. Prior to his final illness, Ralph had been a prostate cancer and lymphoma survivor. He was a World War II Army veteran and a retired letter carrier with the Turtle Creek Post Office, mostly servicing the Electric Heights Housing Association. He was awarded U.S. Postal Service accommodations for two occasions when he saved lives while delivering the mail. In one instance, he alerted authorities that a resident's mail was not being taken in to the house and another time, he responded to a person's cries for help by breaking through a door. Ralph was an avid golfer and was known as a superb shotmaker. He played golf for more than 80 years, but never scored a hole-in-one. Although, in 1938, he did score a double eagle. Ralph played in the Hilltop Golf League for seven years and was the leading scorer for each season. He played his final round last summer. Ralph was a member of the Monroeville Senior Citizens and enjoyed many years of playing cards there. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Pius XII Council No. 4925. For 60 years, he was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (Polasko) Viggiano, to whom he wrote a love letter every day since her death in 2004. Father of Ralph (Elaine) Viggiano, of Maryland, Sam (Elaine) Viggiano, of Churchill, and Richard (Karen) Viggiano, of Mt. Lebanon. Grandfather of Marie (Jose) Pocosangre and Emily Viggiano and Alyse, Kara and Samuel Viggiano. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Rose Marie; and his sister, Helen Viggiano. Friends welcome from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME, Turtle Creek/Monroeville Chapel, James Street and Monroeville Avenue, Turtle Creek, 412-823-9350. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Colman Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Restland Cemetery. |