Obituary
Ralph A. Dura, Sr., 87, of Lady Lake, FL, entered eternal rest on October 6, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Born August 16, 1934, in Hazleton, PA, he was the son of the late William R. and Helen (Lesofski) Dura. He was preceded in death by his siblings Daniel, William Jr., Robert, Jacqueline Cassise, and Helen Waldron.
He was a 1952 graduate of Hazleton High School. He was the proprietor of Ralph’s Distributing and was known as “the cookie man.” He was a lifelong member of St. Gabriel’s church in Hazleton, PA and had a deep devotion to Padre Pio.
Upon retirement, he and his wife Julie spent most of their years in Florida but always returned to Pennsylvania to be with family and friends.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching, or attending sports events especially NASCAR and Notre Dame football. He was an avid reader of current events and natural health solutions. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with everyone. He enjoyed mechanical work and working on his Chevy Suburbans. He took great pleasure in teaching his family how to fix cars. He could take anything apart and rebuild it.
His greatest love prior to and into retirement was traveling and driving to destinations with his wife and family. Memorable trips included driving to Alaska and annual trips to St. Joseph’s Shrine in Montreal, Canada.
In retirement he and his wife Julie spent many enjoyable evenings with his English friends playing Shuffleboard on “The Dream Team.”
He is survived by his loving wife (his “sweetheart”) Julie McElheney Dura. He and his wife Julie celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this past February 26th.
He is survived by his four children; Ralph Dura Jr, Cyndi and husband Vince Giuli, Sharon and husband Robert Salko, and LeaAnn and husband Frank Dudinyak; by grandchildren Allison Lee, George DeLallo and wife Briana, RJ Dura, Dr Robert Salko and wife Kandis, Amanda Delong and husband Jared, Sean Dura and wife Trisha, Adam Lee, Frank Dudinyak, Michael Dudinyak, and Katie Dura; great grandchildren Jordan Galbiati, Emily and Jewel Salko, Roman, Hudson, and Isis Delallo, Gabriella and Henry Dura, and Maverick Delong; his brother Thomas Dura, Kelayres, PA and many nieces and nephews.
He will be sadly missed but remembered as a caring, generous, and smart husband, father, grandfather (Pappy), great grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and commitment to family, friends, and faith. He loved spending time with his family and reminded us to, “Live our lives and enjoy the journey.”
Memorial services were privately held with the immediate family.
God rest his soul in peace.
Sorry for your loss.
Some days we are one of many.. but every day we are one family.
He will be sadly missed here on earth but as his life continues with our Lord he will be surrounded by family and friends
who also passed on including his neighbor Vince and Mary, ( Mary just passed on Oct. 19 ). RIP Ralph
We will miss you.
You are in our hearts forever