RALPH W. WOISNET passed peacefully on August 25th, 2024, at the age of 98.  He was born in Perryopolis, PA on August 15th, 1926, the third of 3 children to Dewey and Helen Woisnet.  He attended West High School, Class of '44, and soon after he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Air Corps during WWII. After service, he graduated from Baldwin Wallace.  He joined the Cleveland Fire Department in 1950, where he served as a firefighter for 32 years.  He then took up a new career with the Metro Park Rangers for the next 20 years.

He married Helen Kearney in 1945 and they raised 6 children.  He was also a teacher, truant officer, and tree surgeon (B-W Trees).  In his spare time, he was also a talented artist.   He played High School football, basketball and ran track.  He played college football at Baldwin Wallace playing in the backfield with Lee Tressel.  He also played sandlot baseball during summers at Madison Park and basketball in winters at Navy Park in the 1950's.

Memories of my dad recall a simpler time filled with a mixture of ballgames, tree jobs, trips to the firehouse or to his car lot on 128th and Bellaire. He had a quiet strength and inner resolve combined with a tenacity and tirelessness that was matchless. And yet while he never seemed to be in a hurry he always seemed to be in motion.  For example, when playing baseball, he never liked to sit on the bench between innings and instead would take me to the sidelines and play catch or pepper until he went back out to the field or up to bat—he was always moving.  That inner strength was also mixed with courage and a fearlessness that he displayed as a firefighter. On August 13th of 1963 he was involved in the gas explosion at Avis Rent a Truck at 12th and Carneige. The massive propane explosion blew through the roof and walls off the building like a "tornado in a closet" throwing firefighters from the building into the street and resulted in the deaths of four firefighters, at that time the department's largest loss of life in a single fire. My dad was lucky, he was blown from the building suffering only minor injuries.  He received some emergency treatment and in a typical selfless response went right back to the aftermath of the disaster to help with the injured.

In March of 1980 he rescued a man from burning hotel on 15th and Payne by scaling a ladder and climbing a fire escape to the 3rd floor to pull the victim from his smoke-filled room for which he received the Medal of Valor. His courage under fire once again on display.

Despite being a child of the depression and a young man thrust into WWII, those events never dulled his sense of humor.  I fondly remember the "secret" language he used with his best friend, Bob Baeslack, at our summer picnics—I still have no idea what the heck they were saying—kaywayohkhum. Those regular Sunday picnics with the Baeslacks back in the 60's also provide many cherished memories. Later he would rent the Red Wing Cabin in Hinkley for family picnics which also provide many great memories. And our family gatherings at his home not just on holidays, but just about every Sunday for over a 30-year span helped keep the family together. And oh how he loved his dogs.  He always had one as a constant companion ever since the majestic "Clancy" joined our family in 1970. Everyone seemed to know him, he had a unique personality and an ease in starting up conversations with strangers.  He seemed to have a presence that drew people to him.  Despite his passing, the moments we shared together will have an everlasting quality that is still with us. Special thanks to all the staff at Kemper House in Strongsville, their care and compassion over these past few years has been outstanding.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; son, Ralph; and sisters Genevieve Ostrowski and Ruth Woisnet.  He is survived by his daughter Ruth Kilbane (Terry) and their children Terry Kilbane (Skye), Mary Kay Uhas (Nick), Jennifer Hsu (Chris); son Timothy (Noreen) and their children Kevin (Jessica), David (Sarah), Alex and Natalie; daughter Barbara Sokol (Fred) and their children Brian (Brenda), Molly and Megan; son Thomas (Anna) and their children Addriane Burger (Donovan), Mallory (Ken Willinger); daughter Nancy Moye (Christopher); son David (Elizabether) and their children Nicholas (Catherine), Shannon, Erin and Matthew; daughter Judy Shattuck (Bill); and 21 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass Thursday, August 29, St. Colman Church (2027 W. 65th St., Cleveland) at 10 A.M.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.  Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of CLEVELAND, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DRIVE AT PURITAS, WEDNESDAY 5-8 P.M.