Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost will celebrate the funeral Mass for retired Deacon Ralph W. Netzband at 11 a.m. Sept. 6 in St. Monica Church, 13523 Rockside Road, Garfield Heights. Father Don Oleksiak, diocesan vicar general, will be the homilist.
The wake for Deacon Netzband will be 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sept. 5 at Ferfolia Funeral Home, 356 W. Aurora Road, Sagamore Hills.
Deacon Netzband, 83, died Aug. 26.
He was predeceased by his wife, Margaret (Stanison), and is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bishop James Hickey ordained him to the permanent diaconate for service to the Diocese of Cleveland on May 31, 1980 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
After ordination, Deacon Netzband was assigned to St. Monica Parish in Garfield Heights, where he served until his retirement on July 1, 2010. Those who knew him said he would be remembered for his quiet disposition, deep faith, smile and love of the Lord. In retirement, he continued to provide diaconal service to the families of loved ones buried in the National Cemetery in Rittman, conducting graveside services for many.
Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery in Northfield.