Obituary of Ralph Ankrom, Jr.

Ralph Ankrom Jr. Born December 1, 1934 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he spent a majority of his life with his family, passed away November 29, 2023 at the age of 88. Ralph is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Ethelyn (George) Ankrom, married February 16, 1953. Ralph served as a Staff Sargent in the United States Air Force before entering into many career paths in his life. He was an automotive salesman and general manager of several dealerships over the course of 20 years, a true business entrepreneur, the owner of the Allegheny River Boat Club/Marina Pub, and the proud owner of Ankrom Contracting since 1974. Ralph was passionate about flying, fishing, deer hunting, riding motorcycles, driving fast cars, playing pool, and more than all – his family. Ralph was son of Ralph Ankrom Senior and Mable Combs. Brother of Mark Ankrom and Terry Ankrom, along with (the late) Lawana Merkel, Albert Ankrom, Grace Dempster, Ora Milligan, and Beverly Masek. Father of Ralph Michael Ankrom (Eileen Ankrom), Kevin G. Ankrom (late Elaine Ankrom), Ethelynn Hodil (Russell Hodil), Lauren Carlson (Scott Carlson), and Stephanie Moder (Mark Moder). Grandfather of Devin Shuman (Nick Shuman), Shaheen Fakhar (Michelle Kringen), Rebecca Fakhar, Marjon Boyce (David Boyce), Michael Ankrom (Emily Ankrom), Ashley Verostek (Michael Verostek), Harrison Moder (Autumn Moder), Victoria Moder, Sylvia Toy (Jacob Toy), Alexander Carlson, Kathryn Moder. Great-Grandfather of Shawn Fakhar, Benjamin Fakhar, Ryan Fakhar, Charlotte Fakhar, Parker Boyce, Colson Boyce, Rowan Boyce, Xander Ankrom, Logan Ankrom, Michael Verostek, Hallie Joy Moder. A little remembrance about Ralph. No matter time, day or night, Ralph was but a phone call away. Whether trivial or significant, Ralph was there. Daughter or son, grandchild or wife, friend or foe, he was on your side in the blink of an eye. A man with tremendous drive and an attitude that never quit; this man’s dreams were bigger than life. He found potential where others saw none, freedom where others saw gates, and a solution where others found problems. He wrote his own rule book and paved his own path on this Earth, with the continual guidance and support of Christ as a faithful member of Berean Fellowship. Funeral Poem High Flight: Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laugher-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence. Hovering there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung my eager craft through the footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious burning blue. I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod the high un-trespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand, and touched the face of God.