Ralph G. Soltis

Ralph G. Soltis, 86, of Albion, surrounded by his loving family at his residence, was carried to his heavenly home on the wings of an angel on Sunday, December 18, 2016. He was born at the family home in Elk Creek Township on March 29, 1930, a son of the late Andrew and Suzanne (Parobek) Soltis.

Ralph graduated from Albion High School. He worked at Marx Toys in Girard for 36 years and also worked at O.T.M. in Edinboro for 16 years until his retirement. Ralph was a life member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church in Cranesville. He was a member of the Crawford and Erie County Police Auxiliary, he was a constable for 24 years, and he served on the Elk Creek Township planning commission. He enjoyed raising beef cattle and going bear hunting in Canada with his nephew, Mike. In the 72 years of the Albion Fair, Ralph never missed going; he attended every year since the fair was first started. Over the years, he enjoyed going to the football games and wrestling matches of his sons and grandsons.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Dennis and Daniel Soltis; four sisters, Suzanne Shinn, Helen Ross, Emmaline Baracka, Margaret Soltis; and four brothers, Daniel, Bill, Andrew, and Robert Soltis.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Betty (VanCise) Soltis, whom he married August 27, 1949; three children, Pamela Rea, David Soltis, Douglas Soltis and his wife, Diane; 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at the Mattera Funeral Home, 188 East State Street, Albion, on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., with Allen Bennett officiating. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Wellsburg. Memorials may be made in honor of Ralph to the Bethel Presbyterian Church, 8990 Crane Road, Cranesville, PA 16410, to the Alzheimer's Association, 1600 Peninsula Drive, Erie, PA 16505, or to a charity of one's choice. To send flowers, light a memory candle, or leave a condolence, please visit www.matterafuneralhome.com.

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