Ralph J. Zarro

Ralph Joseph Zarro, age 82, of Cheboygan passed away peacefully Saturday, April 12, 2025, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey surrounded by his family. He was born in Detroit, Michigan to Joseph and Katherine (Bishop) Zarro on August 2, 1942, and grew up in Detroit with his brother and sister.
Ralph leaves his loving life partner of thirty-six years, Jeanne Popejoy of Cheboygan; daughter, Lea Zarro (Edward Huber) of Naples, Florida; son, Darin (Tiffany) Zarro of Big Sandy, Tennessee; Cari Dyer (Sammy) of Oak Ridge North Carolina, brother, Gary (Nancy) Zarro of Phoenix, Arizona; several grandchildren; and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Sandra Smith.
Ralphie always said he had the perfect childhood, spending time at the family's cottage on Murphy Lake, fishing, and shooting guns. Then after graduating from Pershing High School in 1960, proud and patriotic, Ralph served in the Army National Guard as a munition specialist. In 1966, he began his career as a fire fighter with the City of Detroit. Ralph received a citation from the City of Detroit for saving a one-year-old girl trapped in a burning home, carrying her to safety. After twenty-five years of fearless service and dedication to protecting the community, Ralph hung up his helmet and retired as an FEO from Engine house 26 in 1992.
After retiring, Ralph and Jeanne spent several years traveling throughout the United States with their camper. Their many adventures included boating on their boat, Calapso, hiking the desert, catching snakes, and shooting his gun. They eventually put their roots down in Cheboygan where they enjoyed the slower pace of living in Northern Michigan. In pursuit of a quiet life, close to nature, Ralph and Jeanne made their home on the Black River. Ralph was able to fish the river any time his heart desired and enjoyed watching bald eagles soar above the water; life on the river suited him well.
An avid outdoorsman, Ralph was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He eagerly awaited the arrival of deer season in Northern Michigan each fall and additionally enjoyed numerous trips to Wyoming where he hunted antelope, mule deer, and elk. He loved card games with friends, enjoyed visits to the casino where he loved to play the slots, and savored the timeless indulgence of smoking a quality cigar. Obsessed with yardwork, Ralph had one of the most beautiful, verdant, well-groomed lawn on the Black River. In fact, he was so enthusiastic about having an immaculate yard that he at one time broke out the shop vac to clean up the dirt left on his amazing grass by utility workers.
Another of Ralph's passions was cars - he absolutely loved them! Vintage to the latest and greatest models, hot rods, luxury vehicles and sports cars, sedans and trucks. He had a love affair through the years with every style, make, and model. Ralph's love of automobiles is further evidenced by the sheer number of vehicles he purchased during his lifetime which far surpassed the norm.
Ralph followed sports and liked watching the home teams, Detroit Tigers and Lions. He enjoyed watching tennis and MMA but loved watching boxing, which stemmed from his youth when he and his brother were fans of the greatest boxer of all time, Joe Louis.
Quite a character, Ralph had a colorful vocabulary and a way with words. Some might call it descriptive, or even poetic! With a wonderful sense of humor, he was funny, quick-witted and had a hearty, infectious laugh. His laugh alone could make others laugh along with him. Loyal and compassionate, Ralph had many lifelong friends, some as long as 75 years. He was a deeply loved companion, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Ralph cherished his family, was a devoted father and a loving partner to Jeanne for thirty-six years. Ralph will forever be in their hearts and missed very much.
Ralph will be remembered by his family privately. In his memory, donations can be made to one of Ralph's favorite charities to benefit veterans, Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org.