Ralph F. Dillman, born January 16, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, dedication, service, and deep devotion to his family.
Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Marie (Bodenstein) Dillman; his children, Gail (Steve) Davidson, Andy (Kimm) Dillman, and Ralph (Sharon) Dillman; ten grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane (Jim) Cahall; his parents, Ralph and Bertha Dillman; his sisters, Viola Renner and Martha Motz; and his mother-in-law, Margarete Bodenstein.
A graduate of Withrow High School, Ralph demonstrated academic excellence and a lifelong love of music, especially the trumpet. Shortly after graduation, he began a four-year apprenticeship at Cincinnati Milling Machine, where he met Marie. The two were married on August 6, 1955, at Sacred Heart Church in Camp Washington.
Ralph enjoyed a long and accomplished career. After completing his apprenticeship, he joined General Electric, where he worked on a highly classified U.S. government project during the Cold War. When that project concluded, he began working at Procter & Gamble’s Miami Valley Labs, relocating his family to Colerain Township to be closer to work. Except for an 18-month period in insurance sales, Ralph remained with Procter & Gamble until his retirement.
A devoted parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church Dry Ridge, Ralph was deeply involved in parish life. He was a member of the Joseph Group, served as president of St. John’s Athletic Association, and chaired the church festival for many years. Alongside Marie, he also ran the church bingo, supporting fundraising efforts for a parish center addition.
Ralph had a lifelong love of baseball and shared that passion by coaching youth teams. He was honored with induction into the Knothole Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Men of Ohio Drum & Bugle Corps. Even in later life, Ralph remained active, participating in the Senior Olympics, volunteering with Clean-Up Colerain, and assisting at the Taste of Colerain festival.
His personal interests were many and varied. Ralph enjoyed raising and training German Shepherds, gardening, and model trains. He was especially proud of his large Lionel train layout, which brought him countless hours of enjoyment and was a favorite to share with family and visitors.
Above all, Ralph cherished time with his family and the quieter rhythms of life. He spent his final two years at Harrison Trail Health Campus, where he was deeply loved and compassionately cared for by the staff.
Ralph was a proud grandfather to Allison (AJ) Sagen, Erin (Jeremy) Nandory, Drew (Ashley) Dillman, Lindsay (Jon) Queen, Ben (Hailey) Cahall, Derek (Becky) Dillman, Zach (Katie) Dillman, Katie Dillman, Rachel Dillman, and Casey Dillman, and a loving great-grandfather to McKenna, Madeline, Rory, Keira, Evelyn, Ellie, Wylie, Lucy, Ryan, Junior, Vivienne, and Owen.
A visitation will be held in his honor on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Both services will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish located at 5361 Dry Ridge Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45252. A burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Montgomery, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ralph’s honor to: • Queen City Hospice • Shriners Children’s Ohio • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Jackman Hensley Funeral Home, 215 East Broadway Street, Harrison, Ohio 45030.