Ralph Lawrence Elliott

Ralph Lawrence Elliott, age 87, of Pine Plains, New York passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 8 at the home of his daughter, Gayle Elliott Brown and her fiance Gary Beatty, in Red Hook, New York. He was lovingly cared for by family members and Ulster County Hospice since he was discharged from Vassar Brothers Hospital on July 27, 2011.

Ralph was born on December 11, 1923 in the Bronx to Irene Wilfor Haslett and Ralph Elliott and was raised in Westchester County. He moved to Pine Plains in 1964. Ralph married Margaret Theresa Messina "The Love of his Life" on January 28, 1950. Marge predeceased Ralph on February 11, 1999.

Ralph served as a corporal in the 7th Air Force, 1431 Medical Auto Maintenance Department. He was honorably discharged on January 14, 1946. He received an Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, a Distinguished Unit Badge, a WWII Victory Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He also served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was honorably discharged on April 7, 1952.

Ralph worked for the Cary Cultural Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York for 20 years. He loved nature, bird watching, driving his El Camino, hunting and fishing and visiting the sick.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Gayle Elliott Brown, son, Glenn Elliott, grandchildren Allison, her husband Mark Wurster of Poughkeepsie, New York, Keith Elliott of Pine Plains, New York, Joseph and Matthew Brown of Red Hook, New York, great-grandchildren Ethan, Jacob and Brandon Wurster of Poughkeepsie, New York, his four sisters: Priscilla Warner of Walnut Creek, California, Bettylee Hecht of Brooklyn, New York, Clarissa Frederick of Hernon, New York and Barbara MacCarthy of Sante Fe, New Mexico.

Memorial donations may be made to Ralph's favorite charities: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Disabled American Veterans.

Please join us on Sunday, September 18th from 1 to 3 pm for a Celebration of Life at the Pine Plains Lions PaviLion, Lake Road, Pine Plains, New York 12567.

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