Obituary of Ralph F. Stein

Ralph Francis Stein, 86, of Johnson City, passed away on January 12, 2003. Ralph is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rita DeLorme Stein; two sons and five daughters, James Stein, Binghamton, Mary and Grant Buck, Kirkwood, Nancy and Jerry Grace, Binghamton, Thomas and Lisa Stein, Raleigh, N.C., Carol and Mark Carlson, Binghamton, Rosemary and Joseph Stalvey, Ballston Spa, and DeLorme Stein, Johnson City; 13 grandchildren, Bryan and Brandon Buck, Aimee and Melanie Grace, Stephanie, Elise, Rachel and Erik Stein, Julianne Carlson, Max, Alex and Olivia Stalvey, and Gustavo Febles; sisters-in-law, Anne Castelli and Patricia DeLorme; family members and dear friends, Peggy Stein, Linda Schofield, Mike Febles, Barbara Vandermark and Dorothy DeShay; and many nieces and nephews. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Binghamton. Ralph was born in Dansville, N.Y. on May 24, 1916, the only child of William and Margaret Huver Stein. The family moved to Johnson City in the early 1920's. He was a 1935 graduate of Johnson City High School and later attended Triple Cities College. Ralph enlisted in the US Navy in 1942. He served as a crew member on PBY and PB2Y patrol bombers with the Naval Air Transport Service in the Atlantic Theater until 1946. He retired in 1980 as a pattern engineer at Endicott Johnson Corporation after many years of service. Ralph and Rita enjoyed their children and grandchildren, their cottage at Crescent Lake, and traveling around the country. His favorite place was the coast of Maine. Ralph played the piano beautifully and loved photography. He took thousands of photographs throughout his life. He loved to golf and scored three holes-in-one in his lifetime. Ralph enjoyed the adventure of taking new roads. Most of all, Ralph is remembered for his gentle soul and kindness. The family would like to thank the staffs of Willow Point Nursing Home, who gave Ralph such excellent care for over four years, and Lourdes Hospital and Hospice, who made Ralph's last days comfortable. Funeral services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main St., Binghamton Wednesday, at 9 a.m., and at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, where a Funeral Mass will be offered. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home Tuesday, from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ralph's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 1406 Monroe St., Endicott, N.Y. 13760, or Lourdes Hospice, 169 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, N.Y. 13905.