Ralph married Helen A. Smith on Sept. 23, 1942; she preceded him in death on Nov. 7, 1992. He was in the US Airforce, WWII, Staff Sergeant from 1942-1945; stationed in European Theater. He was in Holland, France, Belgium, England and Germany. He was a transportation NCO (Non-commissioned officer); dispatched all vehicles including jeeps and ambulances; performed maintenance on vehicles and occasionally repaired P47 airplanes. He received 9 citations including honorable discharge, Presidential Citation with Oak leaf cluster, Metal of Honor and Good Conduct Metal. He was a retired welder from Conrail Railroad Reclaimation facilities having also worked for New York Central Railraod and Erie Lackawanna.