Roberta "Bobbe" (Martin) Ravasio

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator and community volunteer, Roberta’s unwavering faith, love for her family, and passion for teaching and helping others defined her remarkable life, inspiring all who knew her. Roberta’s life was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and her profound love for God. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and St. Theresa of Lisieux, the “Little Flower.”

 

Her love for music—which she passed onto her children—began at an early age. She began piano lessons as a child, and by high school, she was the church organist for daily Mass and directing the children’s choir at St. Anthony’s Church in Monongahela.

 

She first met Dino, the love of her life, at an Italian Citizen’s Club dance when she was 16. Married for 43 years until Dino’s untimely passing in 2000, the couple built a loving family that became Roberta’s greatest joy. They raised six children and delighted in the blessing of 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom Roberta lovingly referred to as her “jewels.” She always described her family as the greatest gift.

 

In 1967, Roberta—by then a mother of four—began to pursue her dream of attending college. Demonstrating extraordinary determination and resilience, she took one night class a semester over the next 11 years at Penn State University in McKeesport and Allegheny County Community College. During this time, she also welcomed her two youngest daughters and, at times, went to class with one of them in tow.

 

Amid her studies, Roberta remained an active and devoted parent. She often played the organ for weekend Masses and weddings at St. Denis Church in Versailles, Pa., and volunteered extensively at St. Denis School as a teacher’s aide, member of the Parent Teacher Guild, and co-coordinator of numerous school music productions and children’s choir performances.

 

In 1977, Roberta transitioned to full-time classes at Duquesne University’s School of Education and proudly graduated with honors in 1979, earning a bachelor’s degree in education at 43.

 

Teaching was more than a career for Roberta—it was a calling. She taught first and second grade at St. Denis School before moving to St. Angela Merici School in White Oak. There, she taught first grade and later English and Social Studies to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Loved by her students and highly regarded by her colleagues, Roberta’s teaching and classroom achievements were recognized by the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1992 as a member of the inaugural class of prestigious Golden Apple Award recipients.

 

Outside of the classroom, Roberta found great fulfillment in serving her community. She was a member of the St. Angela Ladies of Charity, answered phones and volunteered for the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer Mother House in Elizabeth Township. Roberta also spent time volunteering at Intersection-McKeesport, a charitable organization that serves underserved individuals and families in the surrounding area.

 

Throughout her life, Roberta lived with grace, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to family, faith, and service. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on through the countless lives she has touched.

 

She is survived by her children Robert (Patricia) Ravasio, Amy (Matt) Collins, Michael (Sue) Ravasio, Mary (Mike) Ravasio Minard, Rose Ravasio, and Suzy Ravasio; her grandchildren Alyssa (Eoin), Olivia (Chad), Michaela, Jace, Christopher, Jenna (Nathan) Cara, Nicholas, Joe (Sara), Matt (Anna), Robert, Mia (Nathan), Madison, Analisa and Nicholas; and her great-grandchildren Fionnbharr, Amelia and Peter.