Ralph L. Earle Sr.

Ralph L. Earle, Sr. of Eastham, Massachusetts, formerly of North Haven, Connecticut passed away at his home at the age 96 on December 17, 2019. He was preceded in death by his wife, Polly Content Mansfield Earle. Born on August 21, 1923 in Columbus, Ohio Ralph was the son of William Jones Earl and Elizabeth Lutes Earl. A veteran of the United States Army, Ralph served in the Medical Corps in the European Theatre in World War II. Honorably discharged from the service he entered The Hedgerow Theatre School and worked at the Bucks County Playhouse. While working in a traveling theatre company, he starred in a production of “Yes, My Darling Daughter” at the North Haven Playhouse and fell in love with the Stage Manager Polly Mansfield. They were married on January 19, 1950 and had 41 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in May 1991. A member of Actors Equity, Ralph appeared professionally in productions on stage and in early television in New York City. In 1958 he was elected to serve North Haven in the Connecticut General Assembly and served for 12 years. He was acting Chairman and then Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee of the Legislature, where he was instrumental in funding the origins of Connecticut Public Television. While in North Haven Ralph was very active with Rotary International and was a parishioner of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Ralph and Polly moved to Eastham, Massachusetts in 1974 and built a home on Town Cove overlooking Nauset Marsh, the Outer Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Ralph became volunteer Executive Director of the Academy of Performing Arts in Orleans where he was active in productions well into his nineties. Continuing his public service commitment, he was elected the Moderator of the Eastham Town Meeting, a position he held for 11 years. In 1985 Ralph was elected to the Eastham Board of Selectmen and served for 6 years.

Ralph was a wonderful colleague, a cherished father and friend, and a loving Grand-Dad. He is survived by his children Peter M. Earle (Martha) of Eastham, Pamela R. Banas of Orleans, Christopher J. Earle (Beth) of Rockfall, CT, and Ralph L. Earle, Jr. (Florence) of Madison, CT. He leaves grandchildren Rebecca L. Banas, David C. Earle (Krista), Rachel C. Banas (Jim), Jennifer L. Ward, Stephen L. Earle, Evan N. Earle, Justin M. Earle and Colby E. Earle; and great-grand daughter Elizabeth G. Earle.

Funeral Services will be private at the convenience of the family. A Celebration and Memorial Service will be held in the early Spring of 2020. Donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 369, Hyannis, MA 02601. For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.