Ralph Marasco

Ralph J Marasco, 95, of S. Abington Twp., a.k.a., Ralph the Barber passed away peacefully Monday after a brief battle with cancer. Ralph is survived by his loving wife Madelyn and both celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary last month.

Born and raised in Archbald to Frank & Theresa Marasco, Ralph was the eldest of four children. It was there where he developed four key friendships that literally lasted his lifetime and today, remain good friends of the family.

Ralph began his barbering trade as a young man with Tony the Barber in Archbald; sweeping up hair, learning to properly handle the sheers and a straight razor and most of all what it took to become a hard worker. He carried those skills with him to the US Army when he enlisted in 1948. Ralph served in Korea at the rank of Staff Sergeant and was Honorably Discharged in 1951.

After returning home, he soon met Madelyn, the love of his life, married and began their 70-year love story.  He worked at Daystrom, Inc, Eynon as a gun site inspector until accepting a similar position at Kodak, Rochester, NY. It was there, his first of three children was born in 1954. Looking to return to Northeast PA, Ralph & young family settled in Chinchilla, when he opened the only Barbershop in the village of Clarks Green.  Two more children completed the young family. He would move his business on to State Street in Clarks Summit and served that community for 60 more years; finally hanging up his clippers at age 89.

Ralph served many customers and treated each one with the same jovial wit and easy conversation style. He cut hair for many generations of customers and developed strong friendships lasting to this day.

He was very involved in his community; serving on many local committees and associations. Member of Our Lady of Snows Parish, Holy Name Society and a founding member of St. Gregory’s Parish where he served as Head Usher until 2020.  Ralph also served the Boy Scouts of America as Treasurer for Troop 151 Chinchilla. 

In addition to his loving wife, Madelyn (Ganczarski), Ralph is survived by his three children; David, wife Mary Clare, Endwell, NY, Donna Quigg, husband Christopher, Attleboro, MA and Michael Marasco, Scranton and daughter-in-law Debbie Marasco, Clarks Summit.  He was Poppa to 6 grandchildren; Carissa Knapp, husband Bo, Oviedo, FL, Amy Kruzel, husband Jay Robbins, Macungie, Ryan Marasco, wife Katherine, Fredericksburg, VA, Anthony Marasco, wife Monica, Brownsville, TX, Sarah Major, Philadelphia,  Colleen Marasco, North Attleboro, MA.

He was Poppa Ralph to 7 great grandchildren; Isabella Robbins, Calvin Knapp, Zander Knapp, Jonathan Marasco, Henry Knapp, Maxton Knapp and Benjamin Marasco. In addition to his parents, Ralph was predeceased by his sister Grace Costolnick, Houston, TX and brother Francis Marasco, Archbald.  He is survived by his sister Mary Michalski, Archbald.

Ralph took great pride in his home of 66 years. A self-taught carpenter, cabinetmaker and mason gave him the skills to beautify their home throughout the years. As only a true Italian would, he planted a home garden every year since his father taught him during The Depression. His green thumb provided many tasty dinners and vegetables for all.

Truly a man who lived to make his family happy and keep them safe.  He guided each of his children to successful careers in marketing/business, sales, culinary and construction.  Ralph was always the guiding force for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, showing patience and pride for a job well done.

Ralph lived a very blessed life; a life well lived.

Ralph’s last several months were aided by the professionals at Traditional Home Hospice and Allied Services Hospice whose kind, caring and compassionate service provided comfort and guidance to our family. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Traditional Home Hospice, 113 Drinker St, Dunmore, PA 18512 and Allied Services Hospice, 511 Morgan Highway, Scranton, PA 18512 or the American Cancer Society in his name.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday, Oct 10, at 1030 at the Church of St. Gregory, 330 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated. He will be buried at historic Clarks Green Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, Oct 9, from 4-6 at Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 111 Colburn Avenue, Clarks Summit.