Ralph Coon

Life long Copley resident and businessman, Ralph Coon, passed away peacefully in hospice care on January 14. Owner of Semco Auto Parts on Copley Circle for 42 years, his reputation for honesty and integrity, and his dedication to customer service won for him the affection and respect of his employees and the public alike.

Ralph was proud of the fact that he never lived more than a few miles from the place he was born. He was a member of the Copley Athletic Hall of Fame, inducted along with his granddaughter, Carrie, a circumstance that brought him much joy. As a member of Frank Bender American Legion Post 473, he spent the last decade serving in the honor guard for departed veterans.

Ralph was also a founding and active member of Guardian Angels Parish up until the last few months of his life. Faith and family were the foundations on which he built a rich and rewarding life

Dad was an old-fashioned man; in the best sense. He could fix or repair anything and never shied away from learning by trial and error. In later years he took up woodworking and succeeded in building some beautiful pieces that will stay with us. He was always there to lend a helping hand to friends and family in projects large or small. His courtesy and respect toward everyone was exemplary. We never heard him indulge in salacious speech or condescend toward anyone; let alone the women in his life, who he viewed as valued and equal partners.

Ralph had a wonderful sense of humor: never sarcastic or mean spirited, but often self-deprecating, unexpected, and to the point. His easy grace and ready smile was always on display. He did, however, love a good argument; a trait he shared with his brothers and maybe passed down to some of his descendants, but never ending in resentment or ill feelings

In later years he especially enjoyed following the adventures of his great grandchildren and was definitely delighted in the latest additions to the crew. They reciprocated by appreciating that they had the privilege of knowing several great grandparents.

Predeceased by his parents, Elmer and Helen, siblings, Stanley, Floyd, Leonard and Thelma, and son-in-law, Douglas Carpenter, Ralph leaves behind his wife of 75 years, Rosemary (Semonin), daughter Linda (Carpenter), and sons John (Paula), Bob (Ann), and Paul (Amy), and, in addition his thirteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Calling hours will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 20 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church (1676 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd. Copley), followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Comboni Missionaries, c/o Ralph Coon, Ayod Project 1318 Nagel Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45255 or to your favorite charity, if you so desire.

The family would like to thank Ralph's caregivers, Sue, Marsha, and Jhari, the staff at Brookdale, and the wonderful nurses and staff at Akron General and the Justin T. Rodger's Hospice Care Center for their exceptional care.