John Edward Ranta Jr

John Edward “Eddie” Ranta Jr, age 81, formerly of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025 surrounded by family. Born on July 11, 1943 in Peabody, MA, he was the son of the late Genevieve (Mogavero) and John Edward Ranta. He is predeceased by his brother James Ranta.

Eddie was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend to many. His outgoing nature and witty humor touched the lives of those who knew him. He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen Hemenway Ranta, son Ned Ranta, son Keith Ranta, daughter Allison Church and husband Mike of Marblehead, and sister, Elaine D’Alessandro. Eddie treasured his role as Papa to his grandchildren, Lilly, Brady, Lucy and Annie Church, Sofia Ranta and late Charlie Nolan Ranta. He loved his dog McMahon and grand-dogs, Charlie, Winnie, Mayday and George.

Eddie grew up in Peabody, attending Brown elementary school and graduating from Saint Johns Prep in 1961. He continued on to the University of Vermont, graduating in 1965 with a BS in mathematics. He was an active member of Delta Psi at UVM and loved to tell stories of his exploits with his lifelong friend George Ghoirse. He met Mary Ellen his loving wife after college while on spring break in Bermuda. He went on to earn a Masters of Business at Boston University in 1974. Eddie started his career at IBM then continued on with Source EDP until he founded his own executive placement company J E Ranta Associates.

Eddie loved living in Marblehead and was a member of the Corinthian Yacht Club, and a member, President and Guarantor of The Beach Club. He was active in playing golf with his buddies and enjoyed their Wednesday evening and Friday lunch get togethers. He loved his days at the beach and swimming in the ocean. Eddie enjoyed a day out on his beloved boat Aquaduck for a ride up to Manchester. Since he was a kid he loved his cars and had a passion to keep them sparkling clean, starting with his MG convertible. He loved spending winters skiing at Sunday River with his family and great friends. He took great pride in watching his grandchildren play various sports throughout the seasons. He loved to laugh and to entertain his people and never gave up living to the end.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, April 13th, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street. His Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 14th, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. Contributions may be made in Eddie’s memory to payable to St. John's Prep 72 Spring Street, Danvers, MA 01923 or via https://www.stjohnsprep.org/giving/ways-to-give# Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the Ranta family.