Ralph J. Stander, a resident of Poughkeepsie since 1966 and formerly of New Jersey, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2020 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. He was 94.
Son of the late Matthew and Rose (Simon) Stander, Ralph was born in the Bronx on July 27, 1925. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and proudly served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged from service in 1946.
He worked as a Technical Writer for I.B.M. at the company's facility in Poughkeepsie for more than 25 years, retiring in 1988.
Ralph was a parishioner of St. Martin de Porres Church in Poughkeepsie, and throughout his life was actively involved with several prayer groups and other volunteer organizations including Our Lady of Hope Church in Newburgh and the Hope Healing Ministry in Mount Vernon. He was dedicated to helping those in need and volunteered at a nursing home and offered ministry to a correctional facility as well.
Ralph enjoyed taking time to work around the house and his property and was always learning new ways to fix anything requiring his attention. Ralph loved to travel and liked driving, especially the many trips to Cape Cod he would take with his family. He loved swimming, being at the beach, bike riding, and taking walks. For many years, he took care of dogs in the family and always gave them a good home. Ralph had a great sense of humor and infectious laugh.
He was loved and very special to his family and many others, and he will surely be missed. We were all blessed having him in our lives all of these years.
In 1953, he married Angela "Ann" Pinto in Queens and were happily married for 60 years. On their 50th anniversary, Ralph and Ann took a trip to Bermuda, which was where they went on their honeymoon, and they enjoyed this trip very much.
He was predeceased by Angela in 2014.
Ralph was a good husband and father. He was very helpful to his family and to others, always ready to lend a hand to others. He was an excellent resource person.
Survivors include his daughters, Doreen Stander and Sharon Stander, both of Poughkeepsie; his sister-in-law, Rosetta Banks of Whitestone, Queens; as well as many nieces and nephews along with their families and other loving relatives & friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, Ralph was also predeceased by his sister, Jean Marrin.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 23 at St. Martin de Porres Church, 118 Cedar Valley Road, Poughkeepsie. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Wappingers Falls.
Ralph and family were very grateful to the Priests, Deacons, staff, and parishioners at St. Martin de Porres for their prayers, visits, and kindness.
The family would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Vassar Brothers Medical Center and Hudson Valley Hospice and Mobile Life Support for the good care and kindness they offered Ralph. In recognition of their gratitude, memorial donations may be made to the Foundation for Vassar Brothers Medical Center, 45 Reade Pl., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
For online tributes, please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.