Ralph R. Wilson

Ralph R. Wilson, age 92, of Middletown, DE and formerly of Newark, DE passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2014.

Born in the Middletown area on July 4, 1921, Ralph was a son of the late J. Woodlan Wilson and Annie Rittenhouse Wilson. He proudly served his country during WWII in the US Army’s 198th Artillery Battalion and bravely fought in the South Pacific campaign. He would later continue his service by joining the Army National Guard. Ralph worked as a pipefitter for the Chrysler Coporation at the company’s Newark, DE plant and retired after many years of dedicated service there.

A hardworking and tenancious man, he built the family home in Greater Newark where he would break ground that would later be known as Elwyn Manor and also assisted in building the additions to the Salem United Methodist Church. Ralph was an avid outdoorsman and greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Futcher Wilson, who passed away in 1976. He is survived by his children, R. Rodney Wilson and wife Ruby, Lydia Esther Johnson and husband George, and Forrest Rittenhouse Wilson; brother, Earl Wilson and wife Gloria; 4 grandchildren, Wendy Wheat Kinnard (David), Traci Rittenhouse Wilson, Melissa Lynn McVey (R. Scott) and Cecily Ann Luevano (Anthony); 1 great grandchild, Jemma Luevano; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Carolyn Hornor for the many kindnesses shown to Ralph during his long illness.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday morning, March 8, 2014, at the Salem United Methodist Church, 469 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE, where friends may call from 10 am until 11 am. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics of Delaware, 619 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716.