Ralph Koontz Jr., age 54, of Amherst passed away peacefully Friday, September 23, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends who applaud his brave and courageous two year battle against multiple myeloma.
Ralph was born on June 29, 1957 in Lorain, Ohio to Ralph and Esther (nee Carlson) Koontz Sr. He was a 1975 graduate of Lorain Catholic High School. After serving in the United States Army he was honorably discharged in 1979.
As a Master Carpenter, Ralph was renowned for his custom designs and finishing work. His talent for custom woodwork brought him clients from across the country. His family will especially cherish the legacy of his work in their homes.
As a talented artist, he loved drawing and designing everything from tattoos to company logos. He had a passion for airbrushing and his artistry was displayed on the fuel tanks of many motorcycles, Harley Davidson bikes being his favorite.
Fishing, riding his Harley, and being outdoors brought much enjoyment to Ralph. He also loved music and served on the road crew for the popular group Fayrewether for several years.
He is survived by his loving sons, Zachery, Justin (Brittany), Kyle (Whitney) and Taylor Koontz, all of Utah; parents, Ralph and Esther Koontz Sr., of Lorain; sisters,Christine (Russ) Landsberger, of Barrington, Illinois, Denise Cogar, of Amherst and Kathleen Sopko, of Put-in-Bay; grandsons, Dylan, Jaxson, Deakon, Keagan, Kannon and Kaysan;granddaughter, Rylee and several nieces and nephews. The family is grateful for Ralph's dear friends Caryn and Sean O'Farrelly's loving support during this difficult time.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents and great-grandparents.
The Koontz family will receive family and friends on Thursday, September 29, 2011 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Amherst. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1305 E. Erie Ave., Lorain (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH) Rev. Richard Hudak, Pastor, will officiate. Private interment will take place at a later date.
Online condolences may be left for the Koontz family at www.dovinreberjones.com
