Ralph J. Copper, 86, of New Castle, passed away the afternoon of August 19, 2017 with his family by his side. Ralph was born on July 29, 1931 to the late Ralph M. and Martha J. Jones Copper. Mr. Copper was a 1949 graduate of New Castle High School and served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was the President of Copper Lumber, Inc. Ralph was a 32nd degree Mason in the Westminster Lodge. Mr. Copper had a passion for long distance running and two of his 13 marathons were Boston Marathons (1984, 1985) as a qualified participant. He also accomplished a 4:59 mile in the Mercer Miracle Mile Race. Ralph's passion for running was on display over a particular fourth of July when he challenged Eli Byler and his retired race horse Jake to a 9-mile run from Enon Valley to New Castle where he came in a very close second. Mr. Copper had a completive streak that fell in line with his compassionate side. He accepted a challenge to ride his unicycle to the top of Mt. Jackson hill, on his first try, only to have all the proceeds go to benefit Children's Hospital. Ralph attended Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church. Mr. Copper is survived by his wife Rosalee C. Copper, his daughter and son-in-law, Gwen and Mike Radachy, of New Castle; his son and daughter-in-law, Ernest and Mary Beth Copper, of New Castle; two step sons, Jeffery and Kevin Kelly; one sister Jennie Dicks, of Rolla, Missouri; 4 grandchildren and 3 step grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and his former wife, Hazel M. Copper. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in passing by an infant daughter; 2 sisters, Shirley Welker and Catherine Freed and 2 brothers, Gerald and Dale Copper. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-6 pm at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Rd. Funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Rev. Richard Kinney will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of New Castle, 525 N. Broad ST., Canfield, OH 44502. Online condolences can be left and viewed by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.