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RALPH BERLIN Obituary
Age 81, of Bethel Park, passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2016. Beloved husband of 56 years to Dolores "Dee" Berlin; loving father of Elizabeth (Michael) Toth and Steven (Kerri) Berlin; devoted grandfather "Pa" of Genna (Jimmy), Sarah (Mark), Michael, Devin, Chelsi (Michael), Clay, Chase and Megan. Ralph served as a sergeant in the USMC. He received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Iowa State University and his Master of Science in Health and Safety from Indiana University. Ralph was the athletic trainer for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 24 years from 1968 through 1991. He was a longtime active member of Ruthfred Lutheran Church. Friends will be received on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at PAUL L. HENNEY MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 5570 Library Rd., Bethel Park. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, 11 a.m., at Ruthfred Lutheran Church. A private interment service will be held on Monday in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. The family requests any memorial donations may be made in his name to Ruthfred Lutheran Church, 3401 South Park Rd., Bethel Park, PA 15102.
www.henneyfuneralhome.com
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Sharon Sears
September 24, 2018
Dee,
You were one of my mother's bridesmaids (Terry Esposito-Milohnick) I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope that you and Ralph had a very wonderful life together, it certainly appears that way. Many blessings to you and your beautiful family. Live in Peace! Love, Sharon Milohnick Sears.
October 10, 2016
Sorry for your loss. I worked for Ralph at the University of Kentucky 1965-1967 as a student trainer. Good man!
Jeff Liebert
Judy Bailey Heck
August 12, 2016
Dear Dee,
I appreciate so much your phone call this afternoon telling me of Raloh's passing. I've known Rakoh all my life and have many fond memories of him in uniform at Aunt Brtty's and also the times he would visit us when the Steelers were in Philly. I know my mother and Aunt Iya spoke with him often over the years and following their passing, he and I spoke, often reminiscing and laughing about many family incidences.
I'm grateful I had these past few years talking with him and catching up on you and the family he loved so much.
You are in my prayers, Dee and, again, thank you for contacting me. I appreciate it more than you know,
Love, Judy
Mike Froning
August 11, 2016
Mrs. Berlin and Family,
Our deepest sympathies from the Froning Family. You and Ralph were always top notch neighbors and I have many fond memories of Ashland Drive! You both always had a smile for the Ashland Drive gang and I'll never forget the many dinners we shared - every time a cigar is lit, I still remember those days.
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Al Mallah
August 11, 2016
God bless you. My buddy at LA fitness. I'll miss talking to you everyday.you made me smile so often.
Craig Colquitt
August 9, 2016
Ralph help me realize that a country boy can survive in a big city. Ralph was always always an up lifting spirit for me when I came daily to the stadium. Ralph was the go to guy for the best restaurants when we traveled throughout the country.
My sympathies,
Craig Colquitt
NANCY CHRISTNER
August 8, 2016
So sorry for your loss. God bless your family. Ralph was blessed man. Glad to know he is with the Lord.
George & Sally Perles
August 6, 2016
Steelers' Nation lost a good and loyal friend. Ralph was a skilled professional whose contribution to the team was invaluable. Ralph always had a joke to share. His wit was sharp and he had a reputation for delivering jabs to those of us lucky enough to cross his path. His passing brings back many fond memories. We will miss the Plumber, but we are certain that he is already entertaining Chuck, Mr. Rooney and the other Steeler angels.
1 Peter 5:10
August 5, 2016
Our sincere condolences to Ralph's family. May you draw strength from God in the days to come.
August 5, 2016
To the Berlin Family & Friends: May God give you strength and peace in this time of sorrow. (Psalm 29:11)
John Jackson
August 5, 2016
Dee, Sorry for your loss Ralph will be greatly missed spent 5 years. My condolences to you and the family and may God comfort you in this time of need . John Jackson Steelers 88 - 97
August 5, 2016
Dear Dee and family, Ralph will sorely be missed. I know there is a big card game going on in heaven with his buddies that went before him...Bru, Pro, Doc Best to name a few. The world will be a sadder place without Ralph...one of a kind! He was always there for my family!! R.I.P. and Thanks! Sincerely, Lois Marak
Duffy Rooney
August 5, 2016
To Berlin Family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Duffy
Denny Scalese
August 5, 2016
To the Family,
Ralph was the kind of man who made you feel better about yourself after speaking with him. I am very sorry for your loss.
August 5, 2016
Dee,
There is no one who influenced my career as much as Ralph did. From my first day in the training room with him I felt his passion and caring for what he did and who he took care of. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't use a line of his or a technique he taught me. I will miss him immensely, personally and professionally. Rest in Peace Ralph.
Rob Blanc
Joe and Donna Cioffi
August 5, 2016
Dear Dee and family,
They call Pittsburgh someplace special, it is because of people like Ralph. He was one special man. He was always kind, thoughtful and treated everyone special no matter who you were. We had the honor of calling him one of our dearest friends. Although we moved away our hearts were always with our special friends and we missed you both so very much. We always remember the party you had for us when we left Pittsburgh, it was so wonderful. Dee, he loved you so very much. You were a wonderful wife. There are no words to express how our hearts feel at this moment. We will all be together some day and laugh and talk and love. May God keep you and yours in His Care. Goodbye our friend and God Bless you.
All our love Joe and Donna Cioffi
Orlando, Fla.
Carnell Lake
August 5, 2016
Ralph Berlin, you will not be forgotten...a one of a kind beautiful soul. My condolences to the Berlin family. Sincerely, Carnell Lake
August 5, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family during this time of grief.
John Norwig
August 4, 2016
Dee - Ralph was my friend. He watched out for me. He gave me great advise. He had a big heart. He was a Steeler for life. I enjoyed being with him. He did a lot more for the athletic training profession than he thought. The profession learned from him. He was an inspiration to the next generation of athletic trainers. I will never forget how he went out of his way to make me feel welcome and to help me. I will miss him.
Arthur Laughlin
August 4, 2016
DEE-- My sympathy on the loss of Ralph. I always enjoyed my time at the Steelers and Ralph always had a smile and a friendly greeting to all. God Bless Ralph and all of your family. Art Laughlin
August 4, 2016
My condolences to the Berlin family. Ralph was that beacon of light for me when I became a part of the steeler family in 1989. He always had a wisdom nugget for me. And, he always had a joke to tell me. Thank you Mr. Ralph Berlin for being a positive gentleman in my life. You will be missed. Go on and rest my brother. Much love to you and your family.
Tim Worley
Gordon Gravelle
August 4, 2016
I have always had the utmost respect and admiration for Ralph Berlin. From the first time I met him and experienced his very dry wit and humor when I was a rookie in 1972 to just a couple of months ago when he called me out of the blue to check on me after he heard I'd had some health issues, he was always a very caring and loving person in his own friendly, teasing way. Like so many others in the Steelers organization, Ralph was "family" and treated us all as such. We'll miss you Plumber!
Al Vibonese
August 4, 2016
Ralph was such a great guy and I am sure glad I met him. We played cards for so many years together along with many of his friends including many of the former Steelers. Yes, he liked to bust your chops.
God bless you Ralph and your family. See you at the big poker table down the road.
Stacey Desrosiers
August 4, 2016
Sending our prayers for the entire Berlin family from South Carolina! May wonderful memories of Mr Berlin bring comfort during this difficult time.
-Your Inky's Family
August 4, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ernie Mills
August 4, 2016
My condolences to Ralph Berlin family... He made a significant impact on this 22 year old rookie from a small town in Florida. A smiling face with a lot of humor. What better way to make a difference. Truly miss those days.
Thanks Ralph.
Ernie Mills
Garry Howe
August 4, 2016
Condolences from my family to yours. May God comfort you in your time of loss.
L P
August 4, 2016
Your family have my deepest sympathy. May God bless you all with strength and peace. Ps. 119:165
August 4, 2016
The "Plumber" was the first person I met from the Steeler's organization. Ralph actually signed me to my first contract with the team the day after the draft in Philadelphia, PA. Ralph was a special guy that will forever occupy a special place in my fond memories. My heart felt condolences go out to his entire family. As we shared in joys we share in sorrow for his passing.
Respectfully,
Randy Grossman
Edmund Nelson
August 4, 2016
34 years of laughter and friendship. I'm going to miss our monthly visits. Rest easy, Plumber.
Timothy Carr
August 4, 2016
Ralph was a wonderful man, and the combination of Ralph, Bob Miley, Jack Hart and Tony Parisi (and many others) made the training and equipment rooms at St Vincent and Three Rivers a delightful place. It's sad to read that he's gone. My thoughts and prayers are for Ralph and his family. Sincerely and respectfully,
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5570 Library Rd, Bethel Park, PA 15102-3612
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