Born on July 27, 1927 in Royalton, he was the son of the late Dorothy (Howard) and Rev. Hubert G. Stacey. Ralph moved from Buffalo to Saratoga Springs with his mother and sister, Patricia, in 1936 after his father passed away. He lived with his grandparents, the late Charles and Eva Howard in Saratoga, attended School 3, School 7 and Saratoga High School. One of the last to be drafted for World War II in 1945, he served two years in the US Army at Fort Dix as an Administrative NCO. Subsequently, Ralph finished two years of high school in four months in order to graduate. He then returned to the Buffalo area to take accounting courses at the University of Buffalo, worked and lived with his brother Jack, met Katherine Becker of Williamsville and they got married in 1950. They returned to Saratoga Springs where Ralph began a 38 year career with Tarrant Mfg. Co., retiring as Purchasing Manager. While at Tarrant he enjoyed numerous travels across the country to deliver equipment and instruct on its operation. He delivered for the World Fairs on both coasts, Seattle and New York City. Ralph was proud to hold a US patent for a flexible joint that he developed for Tarrant which is still in use today. He also developed Tarrant’s “City Slicker” vacuum cleaner and was selected to demonstrate it in a parade in NYC in honor of the first man on the moon.
Ralph and Kate moved to Greenfield Center after constructing their house on Locust Grove Road and raised their three sons, Scott, Robin and Ty. They also built a camp at Beaver Pond in the 1960s where the family and friends enjoyed vacations, hunting and fishing. Ralph also enjoyed watching his boys play music and sport programs in Saratoga Springs City School, Clarkson College, St. Joseph’s College and Adirondack Community College.
Ralph was a member and leader in many organizations in Saratoga Springs, including Assistant Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 10, President of Racing City Chorus (SPEBSQSA) and Northeast District VP of International SPEBSQSA, President All Sports Booster Club of Saratoga Springs High School, Secretary Rising Sun Masonic Lodge #103, Secretary Maple Ave. #4 Volunteer Fire Dept. where he helped build their first tank truck, life member American Legion, member First Sports Hall of Fame Committee of Saratoga Springs which included 13 local Olympians and athletes from the Saratoga area. Ralph and his wife were inducted into the Saratoga Springs High School Hall of Fame in 2011.
Ralph enjoyed a trip with his Aunt Ruth Howard White to England in 1989 to visit Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and his cousin Norah Bateman. They also visited Eton Wick where his father went to school and his parents lived, were pillars of the church and owned the Grapes Pub.
Ralph was honored to be elected Town of Greenfield (and Saratoga County) Supervisor from 1990 to 1994, collaborating with the Town Board to complete ball fields in Porter Corners, developing property for the Town Park in Middle Grove, purchased and built the present Community Center in Greenfield and moved and erected the D&H Caboose on Route 9N.
Ralph retired to Florida and Arizona to play golf, returning to Greenfield in 2006 due to failing health. He enjoyed watching his grandsons play basketball, baseball, football, and his granddaughter participate in gymnastics, cheerleading and dance.
In addition to his parents, Rev. Stacey (1936), mother Dorothy Stacey Ritchie (1990) and wife Katherine (1986), Ralph was predeceased by an infant son, Todd (1962); son Robin Ray Stacey (2006); sister Jean Stacey Butler (2008); brother John H. Stacey (1997) and sister Patricia Stacey Williams (2009).
Survivors include his sons, Scott R. (Suzanne O’Connor) of Albany and Ty H. (Jacquie) and grandson Zachary of Greenfield; daughter-in-law Kathleen and grandchildren Sarah and Sean of Wilton; nieces Nikki, Linda and Stacie; sister and brother Susan (Leif) Ahrens and David (Joan) Ritchie; nephews Rev. Peter (Bonnie) LeValley of Kenmore, Ted (Donna), Dennis (Lavon), Richard (Lorraine) Butler; sister-in-law Nesta Stacey; nephews Brian (Denice), Owen, Darrel (Debbie) Stacey, John Shea and several relations in England.
Relatives and friends may call from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, February 9 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. Peter LeValley, nephew to Ralph.
Burial will be the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
The family would like to thank Dr. William Kufs and Dr. George Jolly for their expert care and compassion and to all the wonderful staff at Saratoga Hospital.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Stacey Family Youth Foundation, 208 Locust Grove Rd., Greenfield Center, NY 12833.
