Ralph D. Pagone

Ralph David Pagone, 80, of Franklin Park, formerly of Ross Township, on Thursday, July 18, 2024. Beloved son of the late Frank R. Pagone and the late Elizabeth Lee "Betty" (Cahill) Pagone; and beloved son-in-law of the late Ralph J. DeMar and Mary Jane (Dougherty) DeMar. Devoted husband of 61 years of Geraldine "Gerry" R. (DeMar) Pagone. Loving father of Renee (Pagone) Doerr and her husband Gregory J. Doerr, Ralph J. Pagone and his wife Bridget M. (Woods) Pagone, and the late Ronald J. Pagone. Proud grandfather and "Pappy" to Brittney A. Pagone and her husband Joel M. Suen, Joshua A. Doerr and his wife Jasmine D. (Idak) Doerr, Alexa E. Pagone, Kendall A. Doerr and her partner Jade Carter, Lauren M. Pagone, and Olivia J. Pagone. Great-grandfather to Leah, Joel, Jr. (J.J.), Jackson, and Grace. Brother-in-law to Jacquie DeMar, Janet Diel (DeMar) and the late Frank J. Diel, and Cindy DeMar. Brother of Beverly Crowell (Pagone), the late Caren Ralston (Pagone), JoAnne Roldan (Pagone), Arlene Alonso (Pagone), Marilyn Pagone, and Francis Samay (Pagone). Half-brother to Dale F. Falvo and the late Ralph J. Falvo. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, Godchildren, cousins, and fur babies. Ralph's faith and belief in God and Jesus were strong, and he raised his family as Catholic. Jesus Christ Superstar was one of his all-time favorite movies. As his health started to decline over the past few years, he would often say that God has a plan for us all, and when it's time to go, it's time to go. On Thursday, July 18, Ralph laid down for his patented mid-day "nap" and peacefully left us to be with God and others who have gone before him. Ralph graduated from Allegheny High School on the North Side of Pittsburgh and soon after began his life's journey of starting a family with his high school sweetheart, Gerry. To build a better life for himself and his family, Ralph began working two to three jobs to help pay the bills, including as a painter, gas station attendant, school bus driver, funeral home ambulance driver, gym teacher, and wrapping paper production-line worker. He then joined the Amalgamated Transit Union Local #85, where he worked for what was then known as the Port Authority of Allegheny County in the Maintenance Division. Ralph worked multiple jobs and shifts at various garage locations during his 30-year career at P.A.T., including as a scheduler and diesel mechanic. Another accomplishment he was incredibly proud of during his time at P.A.T. was that he spearheaded the creation of the M.E.R.C. Team (Manchester Emergency Response Crew). This crew was a team of first responders who worked in the maintenance part of the building on Beaver Ave. Most crew members were already volunteer first responders at home in their respective communities, so they already had training. Based on his training, Ralph believed every second mattered in an emergency. Not long after the creation of the M.E.R.C. Team, the fruits of their existence paid off tenfold. There was a medical emergency in the Administration part of the building on Beaver Ave., and the crew quickly responded. They treated the patient and stabilized him until EMS arrived. The team was recognized for their quick action by the P.A.T. Board. He eventually was able to retire with 30 years of service, at age 50. Another aspect of Ralph's life was his commitment to giving back to his community. In the early to mid-1970s, he joined the Mt. Troy Volunteer Fire Department (Station 317) in Reserve Township as a volunteer firefighter. For the next 45+ years, no matter which community he lived in, he continued to volunteer, initially as a firefighter, then transitioning to the EMS side of things, first as an EMT, then continuing his training to becoming a Paramedic. He was an active member through the next 45 years of his life at Peebles VFC (Station 188) in McCandless, Highland VFD (Station 186) in McCandless, McCandless/Franklin Park Ambulance Authority (Station 130) in McCandless, and Berkeley Hills VFC (Station 247) in Ross Township. He held various ranks and positions throughout this time, from Lieutenant, Captain, President, Vice President, Fire Prevention Director, QRS Coordinator, CPR Coordinator, and Board Member. Given his passion for safety and preparedness, Ralph started his own business in retirement, teaching C.P.R. and First Aid throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. He and his wife, Gerry, taught numerous police officers, firefighters, doctors, dentists, nurses, lifeguards, elder care workers, churches, college students, Boy Scout Troops, Girl Scout Troops, pharmacists, etc. He also taught for years at the Community College of Allegheny County and Berkeley Hills VFD Station 247, in Ross Township. In over 30 years of teaching, the number of lives they have touched is unquantifiable. There will be no viewing for Ralph, as that was his wish. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. this Saturday, July 27, 2024, at St. Alexis Church at St. Aiden Parish, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford (McCandless), PA. Immediately after Mass, there will be a firefighter/EMS/first responder procession to lead Ralph from church to his final resting place and final call at the North Side Cemetery, on Cemetery Lane, in Ross Township. All Fire/EMS/Police wanting to participate in the procession must coordinate with 247 Chief Dillon Coleman (724-480-5833) or 247 President Jack Morgan (412-715-7056). Class B uniform or appropriate station attire. Immediately afterward, a Celebration of Life Party will honor Ralph at the Wildwood Country Club, 2195 Sample Road, Allison Park (Hampton Township), PA. Food, oldies, and an opportunity to tell your stories about Ralph will be there. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Ralph's name to either Berkeley Hills Volunteer Fire CompanyStation 247, 235 Siebert Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, or www.station247.org and clicking the "support us" link, or to McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance AuthorityStation 130, 9925 Grubbs Road, Wexford, PA 15090, or www.mfpaa.org and clicking the "donate now" link.