Eda ‘Edie’ Soldo Ragghanti

On a warm, windy summer evening (7/29/2025), Eda “Edie” Soldo Ragghanti passed away.

Her very short illness was preceded by a long, happy, energetic, 88 years of life. A celebration of this life and then a Roman Catholic Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s (1125 Turin Ave.) on Monday August 4: calling hours from 10:00-11:00 and mass at 11:00. Following Mass, the body will be interred at Calvary Cemetery (248 S. Belle Vista Ave.).

It was on an early May morning (May 18, 1937) that Eda was born to Rocco and Maria Soldo (deceased) in East Palestine, Ohio. Eda was the 7th of 8 children; all of whom preceded her in death: Pat Soldo, Ben Soldo, Mary Davis, Rose Slavens, Natalie Richie, Dena Bozick, and Nino Soldo.

Eda had a rich and full life, starting with her high school career. She was part of the yearbook staff. Because of their close bond, Eda and brother Nino were featured on the front pages of the East Palestine High School yearbook (1956). In her life, Eda had many adventures. The first was moving to Washington D.C. and working at The Pentagon in the secretarial pool. Eda returned to East Palestine and worked for Bozick Insurance Company as an office manager and adjuster.

Not completely fulfilled, Eda decided to go to Lewis, Weinberger, and Hill Beauty School (Youngstown, OH). This is when her peers renamed her Edie, and this became her personal and professional name for the rest of her life. Edie had a long and successful career as a Cosmetology Instructor and Dean of Students at Long and McElveen (Warren, OH), Lewis, Weinberger, and Hill (Niles, OH), and Raphael’s School of Beauty and Culture (Niles, OH). This career spanned from the 1960s through to the early 2000s. At the end of her career, Edie worked for BoRics (Niles, OH) as a hairdresser.

In 1967, Edie married Elmer “Al” Ragghanti (who preceded her in death). The two of them enjoyed dinners and dancing around the Youngstown and Warren areas. Many fond memories occurred at the Idora Park Ballroom. Edie and Al had two daughters, Anna Ragghanti-Crowe (Thomas Crowe) and Lori Eichelberger (Walt). Lori gave Edie two grandchildren: Alan and Rachel Eichelberger. Edie also leaves many well-loved nieces and nephews. Edie loved her little family endlessly. Her home was the site of many spaghetti dinners for family and friends. Edie was a wonderful cook and baker. She hosted many well-attended and loved parties with her husband, Al. Anyone who knew Edie was very lucky. She was full of love for everyone she met. Edie was a wonderful conversationalist with a humorous disposition. Up until a month ago, Edie cut her own grass. Her home was lovely with a well-manicured lawn and a sweetly arranged home.

She will be greatly missed and cherished by her daughters and grandchildren. Everyone who knew her will miss her vivaciousness, cooking, and entertaining stories. We love you more, Edie Ragghanti.

Please visit www.schiavonefh.com to share condolences.

8/2/25