Rochester – A great man has passed away with family, friends and a community better for having known him. No higher compliment can be made upon a man’s passing than that. Ralph was a great man in the sense that he sought to bring joy to everyone’s day with his enthusiastic attitude, always quick to provide an encouraging word, and never judging but supporting others. His quick wit and charm was infectious, making people smile and feel appreciated. He was a loving son to his parents Ralph John Cropo and Pauline Stortie Cropo who both pre-deceased him. In addition, he served in the Army for two years at Ft. Bragg. He always put the needs of others and his family above his own. This was demonstrated with his strong work ethic to be able to provide better opportunities for his family, especially when it came to education for his children. This was a major commitment by him and his wife Mary Ann.

Ralph was a proud graduate of McQuaid Jesuit High School in 1961. Following graduation, Ralph joined his father at Taylor Instruments, later moving on to Xerox where he worked in production for 35 years and served as a shop chairman. Upon retirement he worked for Walmart where an astute evaluator of personality in the personnel department assigned him to be a greeter. In years gone-by, he bowled at the Ukrainian Club and where his old teammates will attest that he did his part to ensure a good time was had by all. In current days, he rarely left the house without being approached by an acquaintance who remembered him fondly and wanted to chat. Ralph had many good memories of growing up in a 1950s westside Rochester Italian neighborhood, Lime Street to be exact. As much he enjoyed his youth there (and his affectionately remembered German Shepherd, Chippy), he made a happy transition to the suburbs when he married, thereby participating in the typical American life story of the grandson of immigrants.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Ann Cerone Cropo; daughters: Laura Cropo (Jason McKay) and Natalie Cropo McCarthy (Terry), son: Ralph James Cropo (Jessica); sister Mary Ann Sanagursky (Larry); brother-in-law James Cerone (Sharon Bidwell-Cerone); 6 grandchildren and a niece. Besides his parents, Ralph is predeceased by his sister Linda, father-in-law James Cerone and mother-in-law Felicia Calabro Cerone and brother-in-law Joseph Cerone.

Ralph’s Mass of Christian burial will take place Friday August 1, 2025 at 10am at St. Lawrence Church, 1000 North Greece Rd., followed by burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 2461 Lake Avenue. Any family or friends who would care to meet at 9am at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane, Rochester are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to McQuaid Jesuit in his name. Donations can be made to McQuaid Jesuit, Attn: Advancement Office, 1800 S Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618.