Rafaelle J. (Ralph) DiBello, 88

Rafaelle J. (Ralph) DiBello, age 88, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 1st, 2026.

Born on November 6th, 1937 in Castelforte, Latina, Italy he was the son of the late Gennaro and Olinda DiBello.

As a young man at the age of 23 and trained as a mechanic in Rome, he immigrated to the United States in 1960. After a few years, he purchased the property at 735 Lawrence Ave and became the owner of Ralph’s Super Service. Over the years, the gas station and minor repair shop became a staple on the main street of Ellwood City. There were many different oil company brands and signs that bannered the corner, including Quaker State, Sunoco and Texaco. Desiring to be independent, the station become known as Solo DiBello. During his nearly 50 years on the corner of Lawrence Avenue, the Solo DiBello sign has become one of the most recognizable signs in Ellwood City.

He enjoyed interacting with his customers, was always willing to fix a car problem and enjoyed giving kids a can of pop. He allowed his customers to run a gas tab each month and for those that paid in cash, he would always ask if he could ” keepa da change”.

Ralph enjoyed landscaping and could always be found on a Saturday or Sunday listening to Italian music and tinkering in his yard adding just one more statue, rock or more sea shells.

For many years, he was an avid wine maker and he enjoyed sharing his wine with many of his customers during the holidays. His homemade wine also won many awards at the annual Wolves Club competitions.

Ralph was one of 3 children. His oldest sister Elisa DiBello Cappelli (Luigi) preceded him in death in 2024 and his sister lda DiBello Mallozzi (Domenico) age, 86, currently resides in Rome.

Ralph was married to Antoinette DiBello. They were married in May 1960. She preceded him in death in May 2020.

He is survived by his 3 sons, Gennaro (Joni) of Presto PA, Joey of Marietta OH, and Mario (Shellie ) Center Township.

Ralph was very proud of his four grandchildren, Vanessa DiPietro (Nick), Elesa Ross (Kurt), Luc DiBello and Anthony DiBello.

Affably known as “Pup”, he also had one great-granddaughter, Rosina DiPietro who made him smile regularly and added a beautiful dimension with 4 generations of family together “a tavola”.

He is also survived by his companion and friend, Sondra Annarumo.

Our Family is so very grateful for the care, love and support provided by Eileen McKelvey for the 14 months and most recently Concordia of Bridgeville.

Pup – thanks for taking the risk to cross the ocean and start a new life! Quite a journey–may you rest in peace !!

Funeral services for Ralph will be private . Entombment will be in the Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Holy Redeemer Mausoleum. The Samuel Teolis Funeral Home is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ralph’s name to: Divine Grace Parish Social Services, 300 Crescent Ave, Ellwood City, PA 16117.