Ralph Joseph Ranieri

Ralph Joseph Ranieri, 74, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully at home on December 24, 2024. Born in Yonkers, NY, on February 6, 1950, Ralph was the 2nd oldest of 5 children. He lived his early life in New York before he moved to Eagle Lake, Maine, where he built his own cabin and lived for ten years. After ten years in northern Maine, where the Lord saved him, he moved to Greenville, SC, to finish college. While attending Bob Jones University, he met and married Dr. Margene Griggs, a biology and botany professor. After graduating with a degree in Biology, Margene and Ralph resided in Greenville where they raised their two daughters, Emily and Hilary. For several years, Ralph worked in high-end residential construction as a finish carpenter, and built custom circular staircases. He was known for his excellent woodwork and his large collection of wood. He retired from BMW Manufacturing in Greer, SC, in 2016 after 18 years in Weld Quality Control in the Body Shop.

Ralph was an avid outdoorsman, craftsman, and gardener. He hiked often in the South Carolina state parks; he loved nature and was passionate about the conservation of natural resources. Over the last five years, his passions expanded to include doting on his grandchildren, in whom he took great delight.

Ralph is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife of 37 years, Margene, his two daughters, Emily (Ravi) and Hilary, his two grandchildren, Gia Rose and Vikas, as well as his four siblings — Carol, Peter, Paul, and Robert — several cousins, and over 25 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on February 8, 2025, at 11am at Mackey Woodlawn Chapel in Greenville, SC, with a visitation starting at 10am.

One of Ralph’s favorite activities was hiking in South Carolina state parks. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the South Carolina State Parks https://www.scprt.com/parks/donate-to-state-parks .