Ralph Eugene Zurbrugg

Ralph Eugene Zurbrugg, age 93, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025.

He was born on December 8, 1931, in Sebring, Ohio, to Homer and Cleda (McCausland) Zurbrugg.

Ralph graduated from Miami University of Ohio and earned his master’s degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He taught and coached at West Branch High School, Muncie Central High School, and Northern Illinois University where he served as offensive coordinator for the football team.

Ralph was passionate about his family, hard work, football, his farm, and his faith. He was a true force of life – an inspiring coach and teacher – whose impact on young people was immeasurable. For years, he dedicated his time to shaping not only athletes, but individuals, instilling values of perseverance, teamwork, self-belief, and faith in God. Ralph’s unwavering belief in God was one of the core values he passed down to everyone around him. His faith was evident in the way he lived his life and the example he set for others. He had a remarkable ability to challenge, motivate, and uplift everyone he worked with. Through triumphs and setbacks, he taught lessons that went far beyond the game. Ralph’s legacy lives on, not only in his children and grandchildren, but in the countless lives he touched. The lessons he shared – grounded in faith, perseverance, and love – will continue to inspire for generations to come.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Lisa (Bill) Korosy of Alliance, Cindy (Jack) Zurbrugg-Heighway of North Canton, Chris (Christina) Zurbrugg, Laura (Don) Sams, both of Alliance, and Amy (Bob) Benedetti-Dike of Canton; a daughter-in-law, Anita Zurbrugg of DeKalb, IL; twenty-four grandchildren, Brenna, Kara, & Adam Zurbrugg, Sheila, David, Wayne, & Frederick Korosy, Michael & Kya Orsburn, Caroline, Carissa, Mary, Erika, & Brendan Zurbrugg, Matthew, Kristen, Melissa, Tara, Maria, & Brooke Sams, and Ray, Alex, Anna, & Anthony Benedetti; 34 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; 4 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Vera Spear; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia Zurbrugg, whom he married on September 11, 1954, and who passed on April 14, 2007; son, Michael Zurbrugg; and grandchildren, Phillip Zurbrugg and Rita Korosy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Saturday, March 29th, at Regina Coeli Catholic Church.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28th, at Cassaday -Turkle- Christian Funeral Home, and will also be available one hour before the funeral on Saturday, at Regina Coeli Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to RAM Ministries, 1820 Rosemont Rd., Alliance, Ohio, 44601 or on their website www.ramministries.org.

Mr. Zurbrugg’s family would like to express a special “Thank You” to the staff of Second Home Living in Alliance, Hospice, and to Frederick Korosy for their excellent care of Ralph.