Ralph J. "Big Ralph" Ciletti Sr., 88 of Niles died at 1:30PM Friday September 7, 2012 at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren.

He was born May 24, 1924 in Niles the son of Thomas and Vincenza Cella Ciletti.

Ralph was employed as a supervisor at The Pepsi Cola Company for 43 years retiring in 1986, a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles, the Bagnoli Iripino Club, San Felipe Neri Lodge in Niles, and the Civilian Conservation Corps.

He was an avid sports fan, enjoyed bowling, and golfing. Ralph served in The United State Marine Corps 781'st Platoon as a corporal in The South Pacific during World War II.

His wife Laila Uusitalo Ciletti whom he married June 28, 1947 died November 13, 1995.

He will be deeply missed by two sons Ralph J. Ciletti Jr. and his wife Beverly of Niles and Robert T. Ciletti and his wife Catherine of Cortland, a daughter Susan Jamieson and her husband Mark of Girard, two sisters Lucille Redmond of Niles and Patty DiEugenio of Tempe, Arizona, five grandchildren, Mark Jamieson Jr., JoAnna Ciletti, Robert Ciletti Jr, Kristen Aurilio and her husband Dan, James Ciletti and his wife Tiffany, two great-grandchildren, Tatum Ciletti and Kellan Ciletti, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother Thomas Ciletti and three sisters, Mary Krueger, Elvira Ciletti, and Jane Ciletti.

Friends may call from 5 to 7PM Sunday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where the Mount Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 6:30PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10AM Monday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church with Reverend John-Michael Lavelle officiating, preceded by a 9:30AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery where Ralph will be honored for his military service by The Trumbull County American Legion Honor Guard.