Ralph Newell

Sunrise: October 25, 1931 Sunset: April 19, 2012

Ralph Lawrence Newell, also known as "Sonny", was born to Winford and Hildabelle Newell in Mocho, Clarendon Jamaica W.I.

Ralph was the second of eight children and first son of his parents. His close relationship with his father earned him the nickname "Sonny Boy" or Sonny for short, a childhood name which stuck with him for the rest of his life. He was called upon first to assist with the animals on the farm, running errands for his parents and of course delegating to his younger siblings.

Sonny attended Richmond Park Elementary School in his hometown of Mocho Clarendon, after which he attended and graduated from Holmwood Training College. Shortly after graduation Ralph entered the apprenticeship program as a "sugar boiler" under the employ of the Moneymusk Sugar Company in Veer, Clarendon.

After completing the apprenticeship program, Ralph emigrated to England in 1954 in search of greater opportunity. In England, Ralph pursued a career as a welder and pipefitter, studying his craft while enrolled at Wilesden Technical College. After working in the trade for several years in England, and a brief residence in Bermuda, Ralph immigrated to Queens, New York in 1964.

As a skilled "mechanic" as he termed it, Ralph became one of the first minority members of the Steamfitters Trade Union, Local 638 in New York City. Ralph took pride in his both his trade and union membership for the next 24 years up until his first stroke and subsequent retirement.

In his retirement Ralph moved to the Southwest Ranches area of Florida in 1990 where he resided for the rest of his days. He enjoyed tending to his animals, particularly his small herd of goats as well as his beloved fruit trees. A lifestyle as he said reminded him of his childhood home in Jamaica. Ralph became a member of the Anglican Church of the Word, and remained actively involved in the care, maintenance and development of his church.

Ralph is survived by his seven children Eunice, Kay, Laureen, Ralph Junior, Gordon, Darin and Keisha; Sons-In-Law Leroy Wellington and Michael Brown; Daughter-in-Law Karen Young-Newell; Grandchildren Lamar and Leron Wellington, DeAndra and Michael Brown, Brandy Cooley, Jonathan and Kristen Newell; One Great-Grandchild Keira; five surviving Siblings Thelma, Vinette, Wilfred, Keith, and Rose; two deceased siblings Austin and Robbie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who mourn his passing.