Ralph J. Parrish, 78, formerly of McDonald, died, Saturday, April 27, 2019.
He was born July 16, 1940, in Pittsburgh, a son of Ralph and Norma Minaham Parrish.
Mr. Parrish served in the United States Marine Corp for six years. After his honorable discharge, he worked for the Port Authority as a bus driver for over 20 years. He then became the owner of Patrick's Tavern in McDonald. After selling the tavern, he worked for the Meadows casino as a security guard.
Ralph was a former mayor of McDonald. He was a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, using his talent to raise money for St Jude's Research Hospital, at various fundraising events. He also was a member of the McDonald Veterans of Foreign Wars.
On March 23, 1990, he married Alice J. Fircak who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Gina (Shaun) Kazmarski of Peter's Township and Dana Parrish of Bridgeville; a brother, David Parrish of North Port, Fla; a sister, Diane Horne of Pleasant Hills; two grandchildren, Justin Kazmarski and Lauren Camp; and two great-grandchildren Aaron Luvawi and Carter Maringo.
Deceased is a sister, Carol Sattler.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, in Nation Funeral Home Inc., 220 East Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, PA 15057. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Linda Nearhood
May 1, 2019
Alice
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. If you need anything please let me know.
Barbara (Hoffman) Lukowski
April 30, 2019
Prayers are being sent to your family at this time regarding Ralph's passing. I had great memories of Ralph and Carol Sattler when I was young, growing up in Mt.Washington. Used to babysit for Carol and Don when they had their place off of Rte 51 near Overbrook, and Carol would love to draw at Christmas time, when she would visit my parents (Marie and Lou Hoffman) along with Edwin and Olive.
My husband, Matt Lukowski, passed away on 1/18/2019, from being on dialysis for over 28 yrs, and MDS (blood cancer) for 19 yrs. His laid out at the Alleghenies, which is a beautiful military cemetery.
Due to health issues, unable to attend the memorial service.
April 30, 2019
My condolences to the Family. May God strengthen the Family during this difficult time. Isa. 41:1O,13.
J.M
April 30, 2019
I am so sorry about the loss of your loved one. Please find comfort in the words of Psalms 145:18,19. My prayers will be with your family.
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
April 30, 2019
Old time friends deepest sympathy Kate & Bo Roman
Sharon Wilkerson
April 30, 2019
Alice, so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family. Ralph was a great guy. Loved working with him at the casino.
The Kaminski 's
April 30, 2019
Gina and Dana,
Our deepest sympathies to you both on the loss of your Dad.
Bill Brennan
April 30, 2019
Dear Alice, Ralph was the real deal. He always had a big smile for everyone. My sympathy to you and your family
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
May
18
11:00 a.m.
Graff-Nation Funeral and Cremation Services218-220 East Lincoln Ave, McDonald, PA 15057-1428
Funeral services provided by:
Graff-Nation Funeral and Cremation Services218-220 East Lincoln Ave, McDonald, PA 15057-1428

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more