Ralph B. Wismer

Ralph B. Wismer, age 70, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, at his home in Naples, Florida, with Anne (Potter) Wismer, his beloved wife of 32 years, by his side. Ralph had an entrepreneurial spirit, was a man of faith, and valued his lifelong friendships.

Ralph grew up in Baltimore and graduated from Dulaney High School in 1974. Prior to incorporating his business, he repaired pneumatic tools in his brother’s garage. His first customer was The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. His early customer base included Bethlehem Steel and Baltimore Gas & Electric. In 1982, he founded Zenmar Pneumatic Tools, Inc. Ralph was a natural businessman who took great pride in the company he built, the people he worked with, and the relationships he developed throughout his career. After the sale of the business in 2018, Ralph and Anne enjoyed more time together, including several memorable vacations and life at Divine Grace Farm in Parkton, Maryland. The beautiful home and property they created there held a special place in Ralph’s heart. He was happiest outdoors—on a tractor or golf cart, working around the property, or spending time in his barn surrounded by tools, equipment, and whatever project had captured his attention.

After living at the farm and in several Maryland communities during their years together, Ralph and Anne made Naples, Florida, their home in 2022 to enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Although Ralph was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018, he remained remarkably active for many years. In 2020, he became the Junior Warden of his church, Sherwood Episcopal, in Cockeysville, MD, and was especially proud to be part of the team that launched the Sherwood Clean Water Project. After years of flooding and erosion in the area, Sherwood received grants from the State of Maryland to help transform the property into a more environmentally sustainable green space.

Fitness was an important part of Ralph’s life, and he enjoyed working out in and outside his home gym, biking, and boxing for as long as he was able. As Parkinson’s gradually limited some of the activities he loved, Ralph continued to find enjoyment in the comforts of home, time with Anne, and watching the Baltimore Orioles—although Anne may be the bigger fan.

Ralph also had a special affection for the many pets that shared their lives over the years. His yellow Labrador Retriever, “Puppy,” became the inspiration for the Zenmar logo. A former colleague designed the logo with an image of Puppy wearing a hard hat, and before long Ralph would introduce himself to a customer and hear, “Oh, the one with the dog.”

Ralph will be remembered for his quiet strength, sharp business mind, kindness, and steady presence. He enjoyed working with his hands, caring for the things and people important to him, and finding satisfaction in a job well done.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 32 years, Anne Potter Wismer; his mother, Helen Patricia Mayes of Towson, Maryland; his brother, Robert H. Wismer (Teresa), of East Berlin, Pennsylvania; his sisters, Lisa Wismer Alluisi of Perry Hall, MD; Rebecca Mayes Engel (Andy) of Timonium, MD; Jacklynn Mayes Aiken of Edgewood, MD. He was predeceased by his father, Robert H. Wismer, Sr.; sister, Bonnie Jeanne Ballard; and his loving stepfather, Jack Stuart Mayes.

Throughout his life, Ralph was blessed with the deep friendships of Jill and Kevin Larkin, Robert Porter, Gary and Donna Friedman, Paula Cavanaugh, Greg Sesek, Connie and Mike Bonsiero, the Schwarb Family, Joy Frederick & Nancy Farnsworth, Dave and Carrie Fowler, and Kevin and Nancy Hennessey.

Throughout Ralph’s long journey with Parkinson’s disease, Anne was devoted to honoring his wish to remain at home and was able to spend his final months in the place he most wanted to be, surrounded by familiar comforts and the person he loved most. Anne is especially grateful to Analili Juncal, whose constant companionship, care, and friendship brought immeasurable comfort to both Ralph and Anne and can never be replaced. She is also deeply grateful to the compassionate staff of VITAS Healthcare, whose exceptional care, kindness, and support helped ensure that Ralph’s final months and days were peaceful and comfortable.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Sherwood Episcopal Church, 5 Sherwood Road, Cockeysville, Maryland 21030, with burial in the church cemetery immediately following the service. The family will receive friends from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., prior to the service.

A celebration of life will also be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 8985 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida 34108.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to:

Sherwood Episcopal Church, Clean Water Project, 5 Sherwood Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030

www.sherwoodcockeysville.org