Ralph Ascione

Leicester - Ralph Ascione, 92, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. A native of West Pittsburgh, PA, Mr. Ascione had resided in Buncombe County for the past 35 years. In that time, he had become a fixture at the WNC Farmers Market. Music was his life, as Mr. Ascione had the opportunity to play guitar with groups that had toured several times in Greenland for the NCO. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, and was a US Navy veteran of World War II. Mr. Ascione was the eldest son of the late Sisto and Angeline Santora Ascione. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Ralph Ascione, Jr.; and his seven siblings. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Betty Scroggs Ascione; daughter, Celeste Ascione; step-son, Eugene DeWeese; grandchildren: Ashley Ascione, Brenda Long, and Jeremy Harding; and great-grandchildren: Cody, Madison and Addison. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 8:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.