May 1, 2020
Ralph, William
William J. Ralph of Dedham died at his home surrounded by his loving wife and children. A long-time resident of Dedham, William leaves behind his wife Patricia (Brown), and his children Patricia O’Mara and her spouse James of Amherst, New Hampshire, William Ralph, Jr. and his spouse Tricia of Dedham, Deborah Conant and her spouse Jeffrey of Westwood and Thomas Ralph and his spouse Christina of Webster, MA. William also leaves behind his loving grandchildren; Alyssa, Patrick, William III, Shannon, Elizabeth, Laurinda, Jessica, Thomas, Jr. , John, Joseph, Zachary, Emily, Sarah, James, Hannah and Elena. William was predeceased by his parents, Alice and John Ralph, his step-father, Walter Hafferty, grandson Michael O’Mara, brothers John and Thomas Ralph and sisters Dorothy Connolly, Irene McGowan and Agnes (Betty) Anderson. Born in Roslindale to John and Alice (Hammer) Ralph, he was the youngest of six children. His father John was a Boston Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty when William was only 2 years old. William attended and graduated from Don Bosco High School before entering the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. William was stationed on the USS Monrovia, APA-31, as a Machinist’s Mate First Class from 1952-1956. After the Navy William went to work as a box maker at the Bicknell and Fuller Company. In 1963 William joined the Metropolitan District Commission Police Department where he received several commendations, including his involvement in breaking up a large auto theft ring and narcotics operation which resulted in the arrest of five individuals and four indictments. He transferred to the Registry of Motor Vehicles in 1965 where he was assigned to Boston and Roslindale (Zone 1) and in that same year was assigned to the Special Investigations Unit where he rose to the ranks of Assistant Supervising Inspector of Special Services and Supervising Inspector with Power to Hold Hearings. In 1984 he was assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Special Investigations Unit where he worked for District Attorney Newman Flanagan on a variety of investigations and worked on renditions and extraditions of fugitives. In July of 1992 William became a member of the Massachusetts State Police and subsequently retired in December 1992. After retirement from the State Police he returned to work at the Registry of Motor Vehicles where he worked in the Driver Control Unit and as a Hearings Officer. He left the Registry in 2001. William was active in his community serving as an usher at St. Mary’s Church and serving as a Town Meeting member. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 18, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Post 2017, USS Jacob Jones and the Disabled American Veterans. He was a former member of the Massachusetts Retired Motor Vehicle Inspectors Association, Massachusetts Police Association and the Boston Police Emerald Society. William enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and visiting Disney World. Above all of these, his favorite activity was spending time with his family. Due to COVID19 restrictions the funeral and services will be for immediate family only. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Michael J. O’Mara Memorial Fund c/o United Way of Greater Nashua at https://tinyurl.com/mjofund or by check made out to The United Way of Greater Nashua and mailed to 12 Tamarack Lane, Amherst, NH 03031.
Comments(19)
Please accept my sincere condolences.
He was the most wonderful uncle anyone could have asked for and he will truly be missed!
My deepest sympathies to everyone. What a special and loving man this world has lost.
May his soul Rest In Peace and May he rest safely in the arms of Jesus ❤️
Sincere Condolences
Peg & Anne O’Callaghan, Cork
We met William along with Patricia his wife with Bill and Tricia on a Caribbean Cruise we were on he was funny the times we were in his company sad to hear the news but from what I read it seems he lived a very satisfying life RIP Ross & Jackie xx
Dearest Pat, Tom, Tina, and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Mr. Ralph (Bill) was always sincere, kind, and respectful. In his actions, he showed that he cared deeply for his family. The times that I did meet him he had a good sense of humor. He was always ready to help, or give advice. He was a good man, and a true gentleman.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Matew Gheorghiou & Family
So Sorry. Love you and your family. Prayers are with you!!!
My deepest condolences
My deepest sympathies to the family on his passing.
Extending my deepest sympathies from Dublin, Ireland to the Ralph and O’Mara families on the loss of Mr. Ralph. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
I worked with Billy at the RMV, he was a
A gentleman and kept us laughing as well as helping all who needed it. RIP BILL
Sending love and prayers to Bill,Trish and the whole Ralph family. He was a wonderful man. God bless.
Patricia and Family we are deeply saddened by your unfortunate loss of Bill,we will for ever remember his kind and friendly greetings and conversations which he shared with us over those many years.
Be assured we will be with you in spirit and prayer through these times.
With all our Love.
Tom, Tina and family,
I’m very sorry for your loss. I met your dad years ago and remember to this day what a gentleman he was. May he Rest In Peace.
So sorry Aunt Pat, Patti, Billy, Debbie, Tommy and all the family.
We had so many wonderful times, great family parties and many happy memories. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Love to all.
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of Bill. Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time. May he rest in peace.❤
Love and prayers to all of you. Uncle Bill will be truly missed! It is heartbreaking!
Love, Leslie
My thoughts are with all of you.
I was honored to have met him.
Best
Jeff
To Patricia and all the Ralph family,
We are so sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. He was such a personable man-always had something light hearted to share with John when they ushered together at St. Mary’s. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace Bill.
Maureen and John Flynn
Franklin MA