Roland "Ralph" Bocian

Roland “Ralph” Bocian, age 99, of Toledo, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at the Lakes of Sylvania surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 21, 1925 in Toledo, OH to Thomas and Pearl (Katafiasz) Bocian. Ralph was born and raised in Toledo’s Polish Kuschwantz neighborhood but moved to the Historic Lagrange St. neighborhood after marrying his wife, Alice Przybysz. He shared 66 years of marriage with Alice before her passing on May 28, 2018. He was a graduate of Libbey High School and a Veteran of the US Army Air Force. During WWII he flew 35 missions in his B-17 Bomber, “Begin the Beguine”.

Ralph began his working career with the City of Toledo Parks Division before joining the Toledo Fire Department. He worked at Fire Stations 7, 17, and 19, and retired as a Lieutenant after 33 years of dedicated service. He was proud to be the oldest remaining retired firefighter in Toledo. Ralph was a member of CWV Jude Thaddeus Post 1675, member and past Commander of American Legion Argonne Post 545, and a lifetime member of VFW Buddy Frankowski Post 5530. Ralph was a fan of Duke University Basketball, the Detroit Tigers and Lions, and Notre Dame Football. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports. An avid golfer and fisherman in his younger years, he golfed with the CWV and also enjoyed bowling with his fellow firefighters. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Adalbert Catholic Church.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Alice (Przybysz) Bocian; brother, John “Jack” Bocian; and sisters, Virginia Bocian and Wanda “Vivian” Krajewski. He is survived by his daughters, Laura Kuhlman and Karen (Dr. David) Williams; grandchildren, Carrie (Rick) Meek, Cori (Hank) Ferrington, Jeremy (Alejandra) Williams, Dr. Emily (Nate) Allen, and Drew Williams; great-grandchildren, Senior Airman Rick Meek, Sophia Meek, Teagan Ferrington, Taylor Ferrington, and Emilio Williams; nephews, Lance (Jenny) Krajewski and Robert “Jake” (Kathy) Przybysz; and nieces, Barbara (Gerry) Lanzinger and Jackie Barnes.

Visitation will be Friday, January 10 from 2-8 p.m. at Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd. with a Rosary at 6 p.m. and the Last Alarm service at 7 p.m. Funeral Services will begin Saturday at 10:15 a.m. in the funeral home and continue with the Funeral Mass in Sts. Adalbert and Hedwig Church at 11 a.m.  Interment with Military Honors led by the VFW Northwood Post 2984 will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial tributes may be given to St. Adalbert Church or the Toledo Firefighters Museum. Condolences can be shared at www.sujkowski.com.

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