Ralph was born on December 24, 1929 in Norfolk, Va. He worked at his father’s grocery store at the corner of 24th street and Colley Ave until after high school, marrying Marion Smithwick (now deceased) and then joining the Air Force. With the GI bill he attended the University of Virginia receiving his Bachelor’s of Science degree. While attending UVA with a wife and five children, he worked three jobs to support his family and attend college. After graduation on to the division of the military of the Coast and Geodetic Survey. He made a brief career switch to work for NASA after which he returned to the NOAA Corps ( formally Coast and Geodetic Survey). Being the Captain of many ships during his career, his last assignment was the Rainier in Washington state. He captained the ship to Alaska and Hawaii with many stories and memories to tell during his later years. His career culminated in being promoted to Director of Personnel for the NOAA Corps. He retired in 1985 and married Janet L Teti of Gaithersburg, MD. He then moved from Maryland to North Carolina to be closer to his children. While in Currituck, NC he was a founder of St Luke’s Episcopal Church. He was deeply devoted and caring to his church, his family and his pets. He was loved and touched by so many with his playful personality. He will be truly missed by all.