Our Founder, Ralph S. Riovo

Ralph Riovo, founder of PEZylvania, held the first PEZylvania gathering in October of 2007. The event exploded quickly due to Ralph’s tremendous passion for collecting; but mostly because of his warm presence, loving nature, and kind hearted ways. He was a true PEZ Head, with a deep understanding for the fun and excitement of collecting, coupled with the integrity and honesty of most PEZ Heads that we’ve met.

Due to Ralph’s unique genuineness, PEZylvania, despite only being one day, became one of our favorite Pezzy events, and the droves of people that came out to the tiny room year after year was proof positive that Ralph knew how to throw a party!

We hope to continue his tradition of a high quality PEZ gathering that grows bigger and better every year, starting with our first reunion, PEZylvania VI! In honor of Ralph, we have chosen a local animal charity, the Animal Food Bank of Lehigh Valley as our beneficiary. We hope to see all of our PEZ Head friends there, buying pez and supporting local animals!

Continue to read Ralph’s Obituary below.
Thanks, Dave and Sue Robison

Ralph S. Riovo, 68, of Macungie, formerly of Alburtis, died Friday, May 4, 2012. He was the husband of the late Marcia A. (Oswald) Riovo, who died in 2003. Born in Wescosville, he was a son of the late Jose and Anna (Orban) Riovo. He was a retired cement finisher in highway construction for Local 158 of Laborers International Union of North America. He was a member of Longswamp United Church of Christ. Ralph also had a very active career in antiques and collectibles, specializing in milk and dairy items. He was a board member of The National Association of Bottle Collectors, was a life member of The Federation of Historic Bottle Collectors, and held membership in Forks of the Delaware Bottle Club. The business base of his collections will continue at Renningers in Kutztown, where he was also known as a Pez Head, a collector and enabler of Pez candy dispensers. Survivors: Surviving are daughters, Jennifer Maria Kressley and Amy Louise Riovo, of Alburtis; brothers, Jose A. in Texas and Edward M. in Pennsylvania; significant other, Patty Ann Paules; sister-in-law, Doris M. Grim, and beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Carmelita A. Gorens and Dolores M. Dalton.