EAST CANAAN — Richard George Ralph, 84, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2024, at his home in East Canaan, surrounded by his family. Born on Sept. 23, 1940, in Cornwall, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Marie (Kennedy) Ralph Negri and George Yeaton Ralph Jr.
Richard was the proud owner and operator of Richard Ralph and Son Rubbish Removal for many years. Known for his strong work ethic and reliability, he built a trusted business that served the community. After his retirement, his son Richard took over the reins, continuing the family tradition. Richard’s friendly demeanor meant that there weren’t many in the area who didn’t know him, and all were met with warm greetings and hearty waves.
Richard was known for his love of guitar playing and singing. From a young age, music was his lifelong passion. His vibrant presence could often be found at celebrations and events, where he would eagerly get up with the band and sing a song. Richard’s enthusiasm for music brought joy to everyone around him.
He leaves behind his children; daughter Leona Riley and her husband William of Clayton, North Carolina, and son Richard Ralph and his wife Joel of East Canaan. Affectionately known as “Papa Richard,” he is also survived by seven grandchildren; Holli (Riley) Dunlavey and her husband Jeff, Kristen (Riley) Ford and her husband Jon, Ashley (Riley) Riva and her husband Tyler, Ashley Chance, Jessica (Ralph) King and her husband Jordan, Justin Ralph and his fiancée Taylor Wheeler, and Lauren Ralph, as well as sixteen great-grandchildren.
Richard is also survived by three siblings; Donna (Ralph) Roux of Canaan, Stanley Ralph of Lakeville, and David Ralph of Salisbury, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Cecelia (Tanner) Ralph, his brother Burton Veronesi, and his sisters Valerie (Ralph) Poley and Virginia (Ralph) Cables.
Services will be private at the family’s request. The Ralph family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who shared in Richard’s life, and they invite all who knew him to celebrate his memory with a donation to the Canaan VFW Couch Pipa Post 6851, 104 South Canaan Road, Canaan, CT 06018.
