March 13, 2023 - Ralph Dado, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, surrounded by family members in prayer at Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was born in Northfork, W.Va., on February 17, 1936, to the late Liborio "Paul" Dado and Maria Sirianni Dado and was preceded in death by his sister, Nan Keating.

He grew up in a coal camp in Ashland, W.Va., and married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine "Jerry" Dado, who preceded him in death. They were married for 62 years.

Ralph Dado

Upon graduating from Northfork High School in W.Va., Ralph received a full academic scholarship to attend West Virginia University and graduated a year early with a degree in mining engineering. He was a registered professional engineer in Ky., W.Va., and Va., and worked for Pittston Coal Company from 1972 until retirement in 1999 as Vice President of Pyxis.

Ralph served as President of the Va. Coal Council and was on the Board of Directors and Chairman of Virginia Coal Association and Virginia Mining Association. He moved to Abingdon in 1987, was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. Up until his death, Ralph enjoyed walking daily, working out at the gym, watching WVU sports, visiting with neighbors and was an avid reader. He was a dedicated family man and mentor to many. He frequently offered guidance in work, life, and faith. So much that a group impacted by his guidance established the Ralph & Geraldine Dado Mining Engineering Endowed Scholarship at West Virginia University.

Survivors include three daughters, Nina Marie Cipriani (Don), Lori Marisa Meadows (John), and Karen Katherine Pruett (Phil); son, R. Christopher Dado (Sara); 12 grandchildren, Benji Phillips, Stacey Phillips, John Paul Phillips, Whitney Self, Marisa Meadows, Johnny Meadows, Michael Meadows, Phillip Pruett Jr., Jackson Pruett, Savannah Pruett, Alex Yarbrough and Rainie Yarbrough; 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and family friends, Marie Fields and Donna Roberts, and his Abingdon restaurant families at Milano's, Home Slice and Bella's.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 13, 2023, from 4 until 6 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church. The funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Rolo Castillo on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. The burial will be held 2 p.m. at Forest Hill Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Chris Dado, Jackson Pruett, Phillip Pruett, Johnny Meadows, Michael Meadows, and Alex Yarbrough. Honorary pallbearers will be Benji Phillips, John Phillips, Kai Brumley, Larry Houston, and George Strong.

The family of Ralph Dado is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, Main Street location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, Va., 276-623-2700.