Our Obituaries

MARINE CPL. HENRY FRANCIS “HANK” RANICH
March 3, 1916 - April 4, 2012
Sparrowbush, NY
Marine Corporal Henry F. “Hank” Ranich , age 96 deployed to Heaven to join his fellow Marines guarding the streets of gold on April 4, 2012 at Orange Regional Medical Center after a short illness.
He was born March 3, 1916 in Glen Spey, NY, the son of the late Henry J. “Joe” and Bertha E. Schwarz Ranich.
Hank began his musical career at a young age. He and his siblings were introduced to musical instruments at the Port Jervis Salvation Army, where they were given used instruments and lessons. He never forgot the lessons learned or the kindness given to him by the Salvation Army both in PJ and during his service with the Marines in the Pacific Theatre during WW 2. While serving in Japan, he was present soon after the Atom Bomb was dropped and often spoke of the gratitude of the Japanese refugees for the help extended to them by the US Marines. He remained faithful to the Marine Corp. and all other Veterans by playing taps at funerals and memorial services whenever requested.
Hank was a member of Drew United Methodist Church, Port Jervis for over 80 years; an Honorary member of Wickham Church, Port Jervis, where he remained active until his recent illness; the VFW and was instrumental in the organization of the Tri-State Naval Ship, Port Jervis, established in 1946. He was considered the Founding Father of the Broome St. Traveling All-Star Band, marching in parades, attending weekly practices and tutoring and training children. He and his wife of 43 years, Marjie who pre-deceased him on March 5, 2012 directed the children’s choir at Drew Church for many years.
Hank is survived by five daughters, Betty Anne Ranich Backus and her husband, Russell of Rapid City, So. Dakota, Judy Anne Ranich Howey, of Orlando, Florida, Elsie Anne Ranich Barr of Winter Springs, Florida, Lorilee Frances Ranich Gerlach and her husband, Bill of Slate Hill, NY and Betsy Mills DelSanto and her husband, John of Boyd County, KY. A special “son” Tracy Sutera and his wife Jill of Otisville, NY. A special Niece Nancy F. Koenig and her husband Peter of Port Jervis.
Eleven grandchildren, Lisa Barr Ciolkosz and her husband, Michael, St. Cloud, Fl., Charles E. Barr Jr., Orlando, Fl., Charles T. Howey Jr., Orlando, Fl., Melanie Howey Hagan, Winter Springs, Fl., Sonya Howey Danner and her husband Scott, Denham Springs, LA., Cynthia DelSanto Stephenson, Loch Sheldrake, NY, Greta DelSanto Crank and her husband Chris, Grayson, KY, Michael Gerlach and his wife, Katie, Sparrowbush, NY, Jessica Gerlach Petrovic and her husband Pavle, Toronto, Ontario Canada, Kristen and Michelle Gerlach, Middletown, NY.
Fourteen great-grandchildren, AJ and Brittney Carter, Travis Costello and Christopher Ciolkosz, Brandon and Mariah Danner, Julia Gerlach, Milan and Marko Petrovic, Tonya Ward, Justin Wishart, Ella Rose Detzauer, Aaron and Abbie Crank and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Hank was pre-deceased by his Grandson Russell Robert Backus; three brothers, Chester and his wife Jennie; Laurence and his wife Eileen; James and his wife Helen; his sister, Elizabeth Ranich and her husband Carl Bloom; and his Sister-in-law Myrtle and her husband Jim Fitzpatrick.
Friends may call Tuesday April 10 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 East Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held
Wednesday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m, at the funeral home. Rev. Robin Martineau will officiate. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wickham Methodist Church, 32 Bruce St. Port Jervis, NY 12771.
Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. Port Jervis. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com