James R. MacGillivray

Ralph was born on July 7, 1945, in Quincy, Massachusetts to John and Daphne “Marge” MacGillivray, who preceded him in death. Ralph was the youngest of four siblings. He is survived by his sister Joan Joseph, also of Hobe Sound, brother Warren MacGillivray, and sister Jean Sapp (Oz), as well as his devoted niece Jennie Greever (Mark), nephew Daren Dowsett (Christine), and a host of other nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, great-grand nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Ralph attended North Quincy High School in Quincy, Massachusetts and joined the United States Navy out of high school with his lifelong best friend Philip McCabe. After serving his country, Ralph returned to Quincy, where he joined the Boston Plasterers & Cement Masons Union Local 534, working for several years in the building trades. At a pivotal point in his life, Ralph was afforded the opportunity to, and attended, the Calhoun M.E.B.A Engineering School in Easton, Maryland which led to his successful career as a Merchant Marine and member of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association.

Ralph’s curious and adventurous nature brought him professional success, a much-expanded world view, and a love of travel. He spent many years at sea, returning home from time to time, and always reconnected with friends and family, whose relationships were of the utmost importance to him. A generous and loving person, Ralph cared for his mother Marge for many years, including after his retirement to Hobe Sound, Florida.

Ralph permanently relocated from Peterborough, New Hampshire, to Hobe Sound in 2003. In retirement, Ralph continued to travel the world, from Europe to South America and most recently, to Africa. He was a model train enthusiast,and greatly enjoyed making improvements to his beautiful home, but he also cared deeply about social issues and was recently a volunteer with the Harris campaign. A tragic accident took him from us too soon, but Ralph will always remain in our hearts. A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Treasure Coast Hospice, whose wonderful staff cared for Ralph as he transitioned from this life.