I was in the same team as Ralph and he interviewed me at DST. I came to know about Ralph's passing today and it came as a shock, surprise and brought back tons of memories during the days of us working together. Ralph was an awesome individual, very helpful, good mentor and definitely a great team mate. I wanted to say my good bye as I was leaving the came and I discovered of Ralph's passing early, not the way I wanted to say my goodbyes. My condolences goes to his family and friends and he will be missed for sure. Thank you Ralph for everything you did for me!!!

I knew of Ralph for at least a year before I ever met him. We both got, "there's this guy that works at Farrell's that looks exactly like you" all the time. When we did finally meet we had a shared moment of realization "hey, you're me!" Of course, we hit it off - being that we were the same person.
I am honored to have been Ralph's doppelganger. 

I met Ralph when he was about 5 because his mom Tania and I had recently become friends.   I spent a fair amount of time with him over the years and we had some serious talks when he was middle school age - he surpassed everything I told him he could be and I didn't even know about all his talents that would emerge as he matured.  I posted a memory on FB and Dawn asked me to share it here as she had never heard the story before.  Ralph and Dawn knew each other through church and one day he asked Tania how to tell if she liked him as more than a friend; he told her she laughed at all his jokes.  Tania said, of course she likes you Ralph, you're not THAT funny!  What fantastic memories I have of the entire family.  I think Robert was about 18 months when Tania and I visited them in MO.  He was grabbing a gallon of milk from the fridge door and I was in awe!  Of course Dawn taught them a lot of measuring, etc. using the kitchen as a tool and making meals together--got into the local paper too which included the recipe "Chicken Splot Pie."  Love you all very much!

I’m Ralph’s cousin, Craig. I remember the summers when we were growing up, and Ralph and my cousin, Bill, would spend the summers with my Uncle Wally in Westborough, MA. Ralph and Bill would come over and spend the days with my family. There was one time when he, and my brothers, Jeff and Scott, divided a pad of paper up into three parts and each began drawing his own comic book. Ralph’s contribution was a sci fi. Half of his protagonist’s face was covered with a rectangular metal gadget. I think we can say that Ralph had single-handedly invented a Star Trek Borg in 1978! During the year when Ralph was living with his dad in Westborough, and Ralph and I attended school together (our sophomore year, 1979), he had a part in a very professional town production of Anything Goes. It was terrific. It was a small part—it was his first role in a professional production, but it was so obvious that he was a natural, and that it was his calling to tread the boards. He was so thrilled to be able to work with the professional actors. I’m so sorry Ralph has left so soon. Too soon. My deepest condolences to you all—Dawn, Catherine, Maeghan, Zach, Robert, Bill, Monica, and to all your loved ones. 


I’m Ralph’s cousin, Craig. I remember the summers when we were growing up and their dad, my Uncle Wally, was living in Westborough. Ralph and Bill would come over and spend the days with my family. There was one time during one of those summers when he and my brothers, Jeff and Scott, divided a pad of paper up into 3 parts and each began his own comic book. Ralph’s contribution was a sci fi. Half of his protagonist’s face was covered with a rectangular metal gadget. I think we can say in retrospect that Ralph had single-handedly invented a Star Trek Borg in 1978! During the year when Ralph lived with his dad in Westborough, and he and I attended school together (it was our sophomore year, 1979), he had a part in a very professional town production of Anything Goes. It was terrific. It was a small part—it was his first performance in a professional production, but it was so obvious that he was a natural, and that it was his calling to tread the boards. He was so thrilled to be able to work with the professional actors.

I’m so sorry Ralph has left so soon. Too soon. My deepest condolences to you all—Dawn, Catherine, Maeghan, Zach, Robert, Bill, Monica, and to your loved ones. 

We had not yet had the opportunity to meet Ralph,  but we adore Robert and can tell by what an amazing man he is to our daughter that he had to have a pretty amazing father to look up to. 
We are so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. 
Brett & Bobbie Henry (Avery’s parents ) 

I am sorry to hear the news about Ralph.  As a coworker Ralph was a great friend as well as a great talent for our team.  He brought enthusiasm and humor to our work, and I’ll always value the trust we shared.  I am grateful to have known Ralph.

My condolences to Dawn and the family and my thoughts are with you during this time of loss.

Ralph and I were very close friends when we both lived in Maryland. He was brilliant--a great thinker with an outstanding imagination. In high school, I was jealous of his vocabulary, built up from many hours of reading. Ralph's example pushed me to speak better and think deeper.


Ralph was also spontaneous and hilarious. When I went out with Ralph, I knew that I might have a great time or I might be publicly embarrassed. The element of risk was thrilling!


In 1982, Ralph started following Jesus. He devoured the Bible like a starving man and remembered everything he read. He strove hard to apply Biblical principles to his life. Ralph was grateful for Jesus' love, grace and mercy, but had a hard time showing himself the same. 


If I needed to be encouraged, there was no better place to be uplifted than in Ralph's company. He loved me. I will miss him terribly during my remaining days on the earth. We will have a joyous reunion after the Resurrection, and I can't wait!

I've attempted to write this many times and words fail me everytime.  I have loved you more than half of my life and now you no longer reach for my hand before we go to sleep.  I am still in shock and likely will be for a long time.  I know you are with our  Olivia and you will both be watching over us along with our other dearly departed loved ones.  I will end with the first chorus of our song I Will Go There With You, by Steven Curtis Chapman 

I know you've heard me say these words before
But every time I say I love you the words mean something more
I spoke them as a promise right from the start
I said death would be the only thing that could tear us apart.  We went there together for 29 years and 3 months as husband and wife.  Love, Dawn

I am so sadden to hear of Zach’s father’s passing. With heavy heart, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family.
Jaye Dodds (Jessica and Zach’s aunt)

I didn’t know Ralph well but he opened his heart and home to my son Brett, what more could a mom ask for?
You will be missed by many Ralph.

When I think of Ralph, I don’t think of just one memory. I think of his infectious smile and witty humor. I think of how he was welcoming to everyone that came through the door. I think of how funny his expressions were in the plays I saw him in. Ralph loved to make people laugh.

Dawn - So sorry to hear about Ralph’s passing.  We will be praying for all of the family at this time.  
Love - The Vogt Family

I first met Dawn and Ralph at Pawn and Pint's original location. We hit it off right away over a game of euchre. Ralph was such a sweet heart and Dawn has been a treasured friend. My heart aches for this family and such a sudden loss. 

I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. He was a very talented and nice person. I enjoyed the plays he was in. I am Jessica's grandma.

OBITUARY

Ralph Sumner Thomas

November 17, 1964 – March 20, 2022

McGilley & George Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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