Ralph Gilbert Zitterbart

Ralph Gilbert Zitterbart, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on May 30, 2025, at his home near Derry, Pennsylvania. He was born on July 17, 1941, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to the late Frank Andrew and Ethel Pearl Zitterbart. Ralph Zitterbart was a devoted husband, father, and friend, known for his kindness, wisdom, humor, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ to those around him. Ralph was also a helpful son-in-law to his late in-laws, Charles “Red” and Rebecca Jane Rice.

He started his working life selling chestnuts, caramel corn, and fudge for Pepper Jones. He was a ride operator at Idlewild Park, a custodian at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School, a flooring specialist with Hurt’s Carpet Services in Kokomo, Indiana, a milk man for Bergman’s Dairy, and retired from Latrobe Steel Company after 36 years of service.

However, Ralph never actually stopped working as he continued to provide many maintenance[JM1]  services to the widows in his church, neighbors, family, and his ever-so-grateful wife and children. Ralph had many things he enjoyed doing when he was not working: collecting and listening to records, gardening, and admiring the wildlife from his back porch, especially the birds at the feeders!

His service to the Lord was demonstrated in his charitable works by serving with the Red Cross,  the Flight 93 Memorial, Roving Volunteers in Christ’s Service (RVICS), and several mission trips to the Appalachian Mountains, just to mention a few.

Ralph always brought humor, joy, and inspiration to everyone he met. His love for his wife, family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was easily seen and will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by Edra Mae (Rice) Zitterbart his loving wife of 63 years, his children: R. Eugene (Melody) Zitterbart, Randy Sr. (Beth) Zitterbart, Rhonda (Tony) Bachman, Ryan (Donna) Zitterbart, his six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his sister Dorothy Bricker of Morris, IL, Wayne Zitterbart of Reno, PA, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brothers Ray, George, Charles, his sister Donna, and his brother-in-law La Marne Bricker.

Funeral service officiant, Pastor Jim Henigin at McCabe Funeral Home, Derry, Pennsylvania, Internment at Coles Cemetery, Derry, Pennsylvania, followed by a memorial service at Ligonier Valley Bible Church, Ligonier, Pennsylvania Monday June 2, 2025 at 7 pm.