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Ralph VILARDO Obituary
VILARDO
Ralph "RJ" Joseph, 82, died suddenly on November 20, 2012. Beloved husband of Mary Sue (nee Craver) and caring brother of sisters Marie (Vilardo) Harrington and Louise (Vilardo) Rhein. Loving father of six children Susan Vilardo, Judy (Ed) Hackmeister, Pattie (Darrell) Philhower, Johnny Vilardo, Ralph J. Vilardo, Jr. and Tom Vilardo; Dear grandfather of Raymond, Patrick, and Tanner Philhower, Jess Stankeveh, Marissa and Ava Vilardo. RJ lived to dance with his wife of 57 years at his grandson's recent wedding, become a great-grandfather, and amuse numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives. He believed that all families should gather and celebrate their lineage at yearly reunions; he was a proud American, a Korean War Veteran, long time member of the American Legion and a Milford Independent Businessman who gave back to his community through giving campaigns like The Neediest Kids of All, Coached Pee Wee Football and was a Founder and long time Director on the Milford Chamber. RJ was very proud of his Italian heritage and wove his international roots throughout his life with his membership in Fratelli Uniti. Rest in Peace, our "Dealer with the Heart in the Heart of Milford." Mass 1:00 p.m. Saturday at St. Andrew Church Milford, 552 Main Street, Milford, 45150. Visitation on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until shortly before Mass at Craver-Riggs Funeral Home & Crematory. An Open House Celebration of RJ's LIFE to follow immediately after Mass at the Miami Boat Club, 6071 Second Street, Miamiville, Ohio 45147. In lieu of flowers the family asks for memorials to either: M.P.G.A. Korean Memorial, The National Bank and Trust Company, 715 Lila Avenue, Milford, OH 45150 or Literacy Council of Clermont and Brown Counties, 745 Center St, Suite 300, Milford, OH 45150. Please share your memories and condolences at www.craver-riggs.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ralph VILARDO
Bonnie and Don White
January 11, 2013
Ralph, we still can't get over your absence at church. We miss you very much. Don and I want to do something in your memory so we are going to make a donation to your Korean Memorial that you have been so proud of.
MarySue, we think of you often and just the other day, I pulled a piece of paper out of a coat I was wearing and it was your e-mail address. If you ever need anything, please call us and we can be there in 7 minutes (831-5155).
Love to you and your family,
Bonnie and Don
Susan Taylor-Johnston
January 6, 2013
So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing, just read it in the Terrace Park allumni bulletin. He was a great man and my mother Carol Taylor(passed 2011) spoke highly of his positive influence in all he was involved in. He will be greatly missed by all. Rest in peace Ralph. Taylor family
December 24, 2012
Dear Mary Sue,
I know you are hurting. Even though we know life if not meant to keep. Even though we know that all husbands die, we still don't want ours to die. Give yourself over to time and the love which heals our wounds. You and Ralph go back a long way in Milford,so everyone is full of sorrow at this news
Your old friend, Jo Neace
December 22, 2012
My Hero, my big brothr "Walphie." The world will not be the same without you in it! You were the best brother ever, I will love and miss you forever. Your Baby Sister, Laweezie
Bill Topp
December 14, 2012
Sorry to be so late. What a great man. Even though Ralph was not a Craver or Spahr by birth, he was the greatest member of our families. If we hadn't had Ralph in the family, our annual reunion would have folded years ago. Thank you Ralph, for all you have done for us.
Mary Sue, you & your children should be very proud of Ralph. What a great example he set for all that knew him.
Tom Itin
December 11, 2012
Ralph
A Terrace Park athlete legand and friend. One of the organizer of the alumni initative .
Rest in peace..!
The Itin Family
Linda Maier
November 28, 2012
Mary Sue, with a deeply saddened heart, I send to you and your family my most heartfelt condolences. RJ was the most kind, self-effacing, generous, fun-loving Gentleman. From our conversations, he could not have been prouder of you and his beloved family. Though his infectious smile will be sorely missed, RJ's legacy of love & service to others, will forever live. God Bless RJ, you, and your precious family.
Dale and Sandy Fetick
November 28, 2012
Mary Sue and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a sweetheart and my Dad, Joe Scalise, loved him dearly. My husband, Dale, met him at Padrino's last year but had heard our family talk about him throughout the years and felt like he already knew him. He will definitely be missed by the community and our family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Donna Luecke
November 28, 2012
RJ never seemed to meet a stranger. He will truly be missed by all of his Milford extended family. Sorry I never got to make him a batch of chili.
November 27, 2012
Dear Mary Sue and family, truly shocked and saddened by the loss of Ralph. We just found out and feel terrible we missed his service. We loved Ralph and will miss him terribly!
Hugs and love to you all, Julia and Katie (from church).
Bill Barnett
November 27, 2012
Ralph -- A wonderful Team Mate and a great friend. My '57 Fairlane Black canvas-top from Ralph-a True Favorite.
Terrie (Craver) McGoron
November 26, 2012
RJ was someone I saw only once in awhile, usually at the Craver-Spahr reunions, but thought of often. I would think of how happy he always was to see people at the reunion and how he made everyone feel like that was the best day of his life. He was warm, welcoming, and had a smile and a hug that were unmatched. Whenever I thought of him, I smiled, looking forward to the next time I would be around his wonderful, giving, and loving personality and energy. I am so sorry I was unable to be at the service as we were out of town and just returned. It seems impossible that he is gone. Love and sympathy to all of the family.
Tony Brock
November 26, 2012
Clermont County has lost a valued member of our community, and a truly selfless person, in R.J. Vilardo. His presence, and boundless enthusiasm, at charity events such as the Special Olympics golf outing will be missed. Fortunately, his legacy lives on with his children.
Ed and Joyce Payne
November 25, 2012
Mary Sue and Family: So sorry to hear the untimely passing of Ralph. He was a great person as well as a great boss. We shared a lot of good times. Know that you and your children are in our thought and prayers. Love, Ed and Joyce Payne
November 25, 2012
RJ was a great man. He gave and gave of himself to others. He truly lived a life as Jesus would, full of Love. We in the Milford Schools will miss him. He was a frequent visitor to the schools, guest speaker and always a supporter. May you rest in Peace RJ, you lived a beautiful life. Condolences to your wife and family.
Bob Farrell - Milford Schools
Soo (Susan) Watson-Mullen
November 25, 2012
I am so sorry to see the loss of your Dad. I remember his big smile at any event and how kind he always was. I remember telling him how funny I thought his sign was many years ago...when it said, " America needs gas, eat beans!" I laughed and laughed...and when I shared it with him...we both laughed...he had a twinkle in his eye and said he liked to make people smile. Well he always did...you all are in my heart and in my prayers.
God bless you.
Soo Watson Mullen
John Davison
November 25, 2012
RJ you will be greatly missed. May you rest in peace !!!
Marilyn Rhein Mantor
November 24, 2012
Dear Uncle Ralph, you will be remembered in the hearts of those who loved you. Rest in peace. I am so very blessed I was able to see you recently. My prayers to Aunt Mary Sue and my cousins.
Schoolhouse Restaurant
November 24, 2012
RJ was a great man and great supporter of small businesses throughout the area.He and the family dined with us for more years than we can count!! Our Love goes out to the family and huggs are waiting for you here next time you stop by for a visit. Take Care. Chris and Beth Miller
November 24, 2012
Mack and Peggy Fay, RJ was a great man. May God Bless the family in this time of loss.
Cyndy Headley Wright
November 24, 2012
To the precious Vilardo family,
RJ did what all of us only hope we can do;he left the world a better place because he lived and loved. He lived and loved well and was a true example for all of us. I am so glad I had the privilege of knowing him. He and my Dad, Lou Headley, are together again sharing stories in the heavenly realms. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
My love, thought, prayers and sincerest condolences,
November 23, 2012
Vilardo Family,
What a special man R.J. was. He gave the best hugs. We always appreciated his & Mary Sue's interest in our daughters' plays.
Deepest Sympathy,
Steve, Kathy, Ashley & Traci Listo
Al F
November 23, 2012
It is hard for this old-timer to imagine Milford without RJ. What a character. He will be missed throughout the community.
Condolences to family and friends.
Dave Peller
November 23, 2012
I met Ralph in 1972 when I started financing some of the autos he sold. He was definitely "one of a kind", a great guy and will definitely be missed.
November 23, 2012
You were a good man and will be sorely missed .
Milford with out RJ !!
You raised a good family and were a friend to many.
God bless and rest in peace.
Lynn and Sandy Day
November 22, 2012
one of the nicest gentlemen I,ve had the honor of knowing.Rest in peace dear friend,The Thomas family
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