Ralph E. “Buddy” Goldinger Jr.

Ralph E. “Buddy” Goldinger Jr., 79, of Butler, passed away Friday at Saxony Health Center.

He was born Aug. 28, 1938, in East Butler, to the late Ralph E. Goldinger Sr. and the late Marie E. Stewart Goldinger.

Ralph received his bachelor's degree at Slippery Rock College and his master's degree at Southern Illinois University.

He was a social studies teacher in the South Butler School District for over 40 years. He wrote several books on the history of Butler County. Ralph was a member of PSEA.

Ralph loved teaching music and playing guitar in numerous bands over many years. Ralph taught guitar at May's Music for many years. He was a kind, caring, humble man with a gentle heart. He was so talented playing the guitar and taught many people how to play the guitar. There are many who will remember and praise him for his talents and kindness.

He loved his grandchildren so much — he was their “Pap Pap” and he enjoyed all the times they spent together.

Ralph is survived by his two sons, David E. (Cindy) Goldinger of Cabot and Gregg M. Goldinger of California; two daughters, Darla Goldinger of Butler and Gina (Ed) Shaffer of Butler; 10 grandchildren, Elizabeth Miville, Lauren Goldinger, Rebecca Schaller, Caitlyn Goldinger, Zachery Goldinger, Mackenzie Goldinger, Marisa Shaffer, Travis Shaffer, Dominic Shaffer and Gianna Shaffer; one brother, Richard E. Goldinger of East Butler; and one sister, Lynda (Thomas) Cornetti of Herman.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Jane Fogel Goldinger, whom he married Sept. 1, 1962, and who died April 20, 2016.

GOLDINGER — Friends of Ralph E. “Buddy” Goldinger Jr., who died Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler.Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Mary Kitchen of East Butler Presbyterian Church officiating. Private burial will take place at the North Butler Cemetery.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.