Ralph A. DeCostro's Obituary
Ralph Augustine DeCostro (1948-2024)
Ralph Augustine DeCostro, born Midland, Pennsylvania on November 15, 1948, passed away on May 12, 2024, at the age of 75. Raised in Midland, Ralph was the son of the late Celia and Louis DeCostro, growing up in a strong Catholic, hardworking Italian household. His innate people skills allowed him to make a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.
After graduating high school, Ralph attended Edinboro University, where he met Sandy. They married in 1971 and eventually welcomed two sons, Robert Louis and Jason Hall. Ralph continued his education, earning his master's degree in labor relations from Saint Francis after being honorably discharged from the Army Reserves in 1976.
Ralph would eventually find his career calling as a respected Human Resource professional in the Rail industry. Starting in Wabco in Wilmerding, which led him and his family to Greenville/Spartanburg and eventually back to Pittsburgh in 1990 transitioning to the old Westinghouse Transportation business and its later names. He would spend over 35 years working to make people's jobs and lives better.
In retirement, Ralph taught at Duquesne University, focusing on business. He also pursued a new hobby- playing the guitar- and remained active in his local church. Ralph cherished spending time with his grandchildren, Zoie Grace and Margaret Ann, attending all their activities. When not tending to his garden, he enjoyed the company of countless friends and family while driving the Mini Cooper he had always wanted.
Ralph's ability to connect with and guide people will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, his son's Jason and Robert, daughter-in-law Jill, and grandchildren Zoie and Margaret.
Please join us for a viewing on Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
A funeral service will be held Friday, May 17, 2024 at 10 am Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Pittsburgh, PA.
Online condolences can be made at jeffersonmemorial.com.
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