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Father Ralph J. Esposito passed away the evening of May 14, 2021, at his cousin's house on Cascade Street surrounded by his loving family. Ralph and his twin brother, Domenick Mickey Esposito, were born on Oct. 22, 1940, in New Castle to the late Stanley S. and Lucy Fleo Esposito. Domenick preceded his brother in death.
At the young age of 14, Ralph knew he wanted to be a priest. Ralp h and his brother, Domenick, were both altar servers at St. Vitus Church. They would serve Mass on Sunday and then go home and have Mass in their living room. Ralph attended St. Meiard Seminary in Indiana for several years. He then attended St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Ralph was Ordained on May 13, 1967, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His first assignment was to B.V.M. Church in Ellwood City. There, he would spend many years meeting many wonderful people.
Ralph's twin brother, Domenick, had married and moved to Arkansas. Domenick asked Ralph to come down to Arkansas, as he thought he would like it there. Ralph moved and was assigned to many churches over the years and made many good and close friends. After more than 50 years of serving the church, Ralph retired from the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas. During that time, Ralph had also survived esophagus cancer for 20 years. His name was known in the medical books as "A Miracle."
Ralph will be missed by his family and many friends and also by his dog, Muffin. Ralph is survived by his sister, Angel Fazzone and her husband, Paul; his brother, Stanley Esposito and his wife, Kathy; and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at noon on Monday, June 7, at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Vitus Church. His cousin, Father Sam Esposito, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Vitus Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home Crematory, 941 S. Mill St.
Give Ralph eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on him forever. Let us find in your Son, comfort in our sadness, certainty in our doubt, and courage to live through this hour. Make our faith strong through Christ our Lord. Amen.
