Joseph R. Ranker

1928 - 2019

Joseph R. "Bud" Ranker, 91, of Dunbar Township, passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, in the comfort of his home and surrounded by family. Bud was born July 9, 1928, in Connellsville, a son of the late Peter J. and Clementine (Licking) Ranker. He enlisted and proudly served in the Air Force following the end of World War II and was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant Sept. 10, 1949. After completing trade school, Bud was employed as a tool and die maker at the Anchor Hocking Cap Plant in South Connellsville, where he retired after 40 years of service. He also served on the board of directors of Glass Cap Federal Credit Union. Bud was an active member of St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church and its Holy Name Society in Dunbar and dedicated much of his time and talent to church projects and improvements. He was a well-known and greatly respected handyman with an ability to fix anything, and he was regularly called upon to do so. Above all, Bud cherished his family. Among those who survive him are his beloved wife of 66 years, Theresa (Vinoski) Ranker, who was most dear to his heart; his four children, Deborah Rudnik and fiance, Mark Lynn, of Connellsville, Roseann Bigley and husband, Chuck Wonsettler, of Washington, Pa., Linda Cordaro and husband, Pete, of Connellsville, and John M. Ranker and wife, Amy, of Greensburg; his 12 grandchildren, Michelle Dietz and husband Matt, Robert Rudnik, Joel Bigley and wife, Andrea, Lauren DiGiovine and husband, Dan, Keith Cordaro, Craig Cordaro and wife, Autumn, Michael Cordaro and wife, Elyse, Carly Cordaro, Jillian Foley and husband Jimmy, Katie Ranker, Molly Ranker, and Natalie Ranker; 10 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Caroline Zivnoska; and many nieces, nephews, and their children. Bud had a special way of making each and every one of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren feel like Pap's favorite. He was generous with the words "I love you" and "I'm proud of you." Bud was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses, Alberta Kessler and husband, Don, James W. Ranker and wife, Nancy, John Robert Ranker and wife, Marie, June Trader and husband, Charles, and Patricia Adams and husband, Pete. The Ranker family would like to thank all of the caregivers who provided special care, love and compassion to Bud prior to his passing, as well as the staff of Amedisys Home Health and Hospice.
Family and friends will be received from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, and x from 9:30 to 10 a.m., the time of prayer service Monday, with Father Paul Lisik as celebrant, at the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME, 123 S. First St., Connellsville, 724-628-9033. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Full military rites will be accorded by members of Connellsville Veterans Commission at the cemetery.
To sign the online guest registry, visit our website at www.martuccifuneral home.com.