Ralph A. Cognetti

Ralph A. Cognetti, 95, of Scranton, died Thursday at the Lackawanna County Health Care Center, where he was a resident. His wife is the former Marguerite Forgione.

Born in Scranton, son of the late Frank and Helen Ferino Cognetti, he was employed by Planters Peanut Co., Wilkes-Barre; Ferrante Brothers Beer Distributors and Cognetti Brothers Distributors. For 20 years before retiring in 1975, he served as a purchasing agent for the Clarks Summit State Hospital.

He was involved in many activities at his church, St. Anthony of Padua, North Scranton, including the Holy Name Society. He was also a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus.

Music was one of his great passions and for many years he was a private instructor to hundreds of local young aspiring musicians.

The Cognetti family wishes to thank the staff and administration of the Lackawanna County Health Care Center for their dedication and support of their father.

Also surviving are four children, Helen Driebe and husband, Paul, Apalachin, N.Y.; Frank Cognetti and wife, Lynn, Scranton; Peter Cognetti and wife, Nicolette, Maineville, Ohio; and Anthony Cognetti and wife, Sherilyn, Westfield, N.J.; 14 grandchildren, Cara Harris, Christopher Cognetti, Nicole Driebe, Joseph Cognetti, Karrie Lape, and Marcus, Matthew, John, Elisa, Paul, David, Craig, Catherine and Christina Cognetti; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, Joseph, Leo and John; two sisters, Angelina Butchko and Mary Petriello; many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Salvatore and Anthony.

The funeral will be Tuesday from the Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., 1030 N. Main Ave., Scranton, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Wood Street, Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.

Friends may call Monday, 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18509; St. Ann's Basilica, 1233 St. Ann's St., Scranton, PA 18504; or the donor's favorite charity. Visit www.solfanellifiorillo funeralhome.com for information, directions or to send an online condolence.