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Memorial Ride Honors Ralph Pontillo, Raises More Than $8K for Charity

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ERIE, PA – More than 200 family, friends and motorcycle enthusiasts paid tribute to Ralph Pontillo with a motorcycle ride on September 12, 2020, raising $8,066 for the Fallen Riders Memorial Fund. The former president of the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) and executive director of Roar on the Shore® Bike Week died September 7, 2019, the result of an allergic reaction.    

The scenic ride, sponsored by the MBA and Roar on Shore®, traveled roughly 40 miles through Erie County and concluded at The Cab Bar & Grille, 5442 West Ridge Road in Erie.    

“Ralph Pontillo was a remarkable man,” said John Krahe, MBA president and CEO. “During his 30-year career at the Association, he worked tirelessly on behalf of employers and left an enduring mark on the business community. We wanted to honor him and recognize his work helping countless people – those in the business community, students, veterans, motorcycle enthusiasts, family, friends, neighbors and the scores he helped privately with no fanfare. The MBA and Roar boards decided a motorcycle ride to remember Ralph would be a fitting tribute.”    

Krahe said the Association was grateful for the outpouring of support. “Ralph was instrumental in founding the Erie County Fallen Riders Memorial Fund and was passionate about helping fellow bikers’ families in need.”