Rocco Samuel Ragone

Rocco Samuel Ragone, 98 of Clairton, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter, Roxanne Oberst in Gibsonia, PA on February 25, 2026. He was surrounded by the love of his family. He was born to Francesco “Frank” Ragone and Carrie (Krutz) Ragone on the 31st of January 1928 and was the youngest of seven children.

As a young boy, Rocco left school after the eighth grade to work in the coal mines at his father’s request. Although he carried that responsibility with quiet strength, he never lost his love of learning. He later worked at U.S. Steel Irvin Works before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He served from 1950 to 1952, achieved the rank of Corporal, and was honorably discharged. After returning home, he resumed his work at U.S. Steel Irvin Works, where he remained for 43 dedicated years.

In 1957, he married the love of his life Dolores June Heidenfelder, beginning a partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and family. Nothing meant more to him than the people he loved. He took pride in raising and racing homing pigeons, enjoyed long walks through his neighborhood where he would stop and talk with friends, and could often be found riding the bicycle he proudly received for his 80th birthday.

He treasured traveling with family and friends and took special pride in keeping his backyard pool sparkling and ready for his children and grandchildren. He rarely missed a football game, whether watching from his living room or cheering at local high school games with his nephews. Above all, he showed up. He never passed up the chance to attend his grandchildren’s activities and sporting events, offering steady encouragement and a proud smile from the sidelines.

Rocco will be remembered for his warm heart, unwavering work ethic, and his gift for storytelling. He had a way of making ordinary moments memorable simply by sharing them. His love for his family was constant and evident in everything he did. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife in 2020; his parents; his siblings, Joe, Anne, Julia, Antoinette, Tony, and Andrew; his son, Rocco, “Rocky” Ragone; and grandson, Dylan Shuck. He is survived by his daughters, Donna (Dereck) Shuck of Liberty Borough, PA and Roxanne (Chris) Oberst of Gibsonia, PA; his cherished grandchildren, Dominic (Brittini) Shuck, Cassidy (Lauren) Oberst and Christian  (Miranda) Oberst; great grandson Maximus Shuck and, last but certainly not least, his grand dog Murphy, who brought him great joy.

Nearing, a century of life gave Rocco many stories to tell, but his truest story was one of devotion to his country, his work, his neighborhood, and above all, his family. His impact will be felt for generations to come.

Family and friends will be received in the Stephen D. Slater Funeral Home 1701 Route 51 Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania 15025 (412-384-0350) www.stephendslater.com on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 2 – 6 pm. There will be a Prayer in the funeral home on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 9:15 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Thomas a’ Becket Catholic Church 139 Gill Hall Road, Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania 15025. His burial will be graveside, next to his wife and son, in St. Clare Cemetery, in Clairton, immediately following the Mass with Military Honors.