Ralph Richard Roll

Ralph Richard Roll, of Sagamore Hills Ohio, died peacefully at his home at the age of 91 on November 24, 2025. He will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, consideration, humor and warmth. 

He was born on January 1, 1934, in Buffalo, NY, to Frederick and Frances (Hafner) Roll. He grew up in Amherst, NY and attended Canisius High School and then Canisius College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History. After a brief stint at NYU Law School, he joined IBM in the early days of computing, and also served in the U.S. Army Reserves. 

On December 26, 1956, he married his high-school sweetheart, Joan Kathryn (Kowal) Roll. They raised five daughters, who are forever grateful for the foundation of their long and loving marriage. 

Ralph spent most of his career in management consulting with Ernst & Young, first in Buffalo and then in Cleveland, where he retired as a Partner with the firm. After retiring from E&Y he joined and led the Uniform Code Council in Dayton, Ohio. He was quietly spiritual, and was active in the Catholic parishes he belonged to as well as other spiritual organizations. 

He and Joan spent their post-retirement time in Sagamore Hills, Ohio, and their summers at Chautauqua Lake, NY. Chautauqua was their favorite place, and together with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchild built countless memories that live on as a legacy in their family. It was here where he indulged in the things he loved – sailing, boating, cigars, cherry pie, mimosas, crossword puzzles, and rousing games of charades with his family. They also loved travelling the country and the world, as well as to their daughters’ homes so they could be an active part of their grandchildren’s lives. 

Ralph is survived by his five loving daughters; Monica Roll of Easton Maryland, Mary Lane (Gary) of Ijamsville MD, Jennifer Roll of Moreland Hills OH, Gretchen Ciccotti of Lyndhurst OH, and Claudia Roll of Severna Park, MD; his grandchildren Olivia (Justin), Matthew (Katie), Alex, Abby, Joseph, Samuel, and Elena; as well as his great-granddaugher, Lana Joan. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan (Kowal) Roll; and his sisters, Clarissa Roll Ott (Robert) and Rita Roll Cantwell (Earl). 

Friends may call at the FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 W. AURORA ROAD (ST. RTE. 82), SAGAMORE HILLS, FOR A MEMORIAL VISITING CELEBRATING RALPH’S LIFE, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2025, 4-6 PM. Funeral Saturday, December 13, 2025 9:30 am, at the funeral home. Funeral mass, St. Barnabas at 10 am. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph Richard Roll, please visit our floral store.