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Ralph E. Anderson

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New York University

Ralph Anderson Obituary

RALPH E. ANDERSON Passed away peacefully February 1, 2009 at 93 years of age. Born in New York in 1915 he graduated from New York University and worked for 47 years at Bankers Trust Company, now Deutsche Bank, in NYC. Ralph served in the U. S. Army during World War II. He arrived in North Africa as a private in the summer of 1942. He took part in the invasion of Sicily followed by an assignment to Brighton College outside London. He was among a small group planning D-Day. By the time he landed on Omaha Beach he had received a battlefield commission to first lieutenant and was leading a group of soldiers in Germany when the war ended. An active member of the community for many years he volunteered his time to Hill House as Treasurer and as a Board member. He also donated his time to First Congregational Church, the Retired Men's club and Putnam Hill Cottage. A resident of Greenwich since 1959, Ralph is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen Anderson. He is also survived by a son, David of Simsbury, CT, a daughter, Jean Ayres of Riverside, five beloved grandchildren, Mikael and Jessica Anderson and Jennifer, Geoffrey and Lauren Ayres. Ralph also had two great-grandchildren, Brady and Madison Ayres. There will be a private memorial service at a later date. Donations in his memory can be sent to The Hill House, Inc. in Riverside or any veterans organization. Fred D. Knapp & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Published by GreenwichTime on Feb. 3, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Anderson

18 Entries

Jean Ayres

January 28, 2020

Many people are superstitious about the number 13 but you felt it was a lucky number. I use 13 in dozens of ways as a reminder of you, the nicest Dad ever.

Jean, Bobby, and Ralph in Greece

March 4, 2009

Barbara Lindbom

February 28, 2009

In 1946 I came up to New York for the wedding of Ralph and my sister. It was a grand affair and Ralph proved to be a great addition to our family. Ralph was kind and generous, good company too. He has left us but I'll think of him often and perhaps get a chuckle over some funny story he told us.

David Anderson

February 12, 2009

My dad was a great man, a wonderful father, and lived a long and happy life. I will remember him with love and warmth always.

Sarah Anderson

February 12, 2009

Innate kindness, generosity, dignity, and inner strength. A life well lived.

Geoff, Lauren, Grandma, and Poppy at Thanksgiving 2008

February 10, 2009

Paul Britton

February 9, 2009

I have such fond memories of this man. He will never be forgotten

Bob McLaughlin

February 5, 2009

Dear Aunt Bobby,
My deepest sympathies go out to you at this time. I heard the sad news last night. I knew that Uncle Ralph's health was failing, but I didn't know it was that bad. He and you have been in my thoughts recently, more than usual for some reason. Sheri & I travel to MA from time to time to see her family, and I always want to stop by to see you two, but we always seem to be in such a hurry, and, of course, I never plan ahead to call you, etc.. Today I spoke with David (Ayres) and he filled me in on what had happened in the last few weeks. You must be emotionally exhausted-- my heart goes out to you. I think that you are wise to hold off on a large family gathering right now, and give it a little time before attempting that.
It is hard for me to believe that Uncle Ralph is gone, as he was the longest family "father figure" in my life. And his life was long and a good one. You and he certainly provided the rest of the family with a great example as to how to lead a well anchored, productive life together. David told me that you have some plans to do a few things and/or places to see in the future. It is important for you to look forward to positive things. Although my heart is heavy right now, I will try to think of the good times and will always remember how Uncle Ralph always greeted me with a big smile, which I know was totally sincere and from his heart. He was a great guy, and I will celebrate his good, long life in my thoughts and prayers for a long time. And, of course, my thoughts and prayers go out to you Aunt Bobby.
With much love,
Bob

Geoffrey Ayres

February 4, 2009

We were blessed to have Poppy in our lives. We have so many memories of him. Whether it was holidays, trips to Florida, or everyday occasions. We lost a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, but most of all a wonderful man on Sunday and he will be truly missed.

We love you and really miss you:

Geoff, Kari, Brady, & Madision

Steve McLaughlin

February 4, 2009

Aunt Bobby,
I send you my deepest sympathy for this great loss. I had an extended daydream of Uncle Ralph on Sunday. I reflected on the fact that he is (was) the last of the men of the generation of my parents to remain with us. I think often of our arrival on your doorstep (I remember you opening the door-you were wearing a red smock or cleaning apron) in 1955.
I remember the way you looked at my mother and I remember looking at Uncle Ralph at dinners chewing his food. As well I remember dozens of holidays when you shared your table and Uncle Ralph told his best jokes usually under a withering catcalling of wry dissent.
I sometimes thought his work as a banker was idyllic. Riding the train in to New York, playing bridge with the same guys. Lunch on the company. Going home to Riverside. You and he made a good life, one of such stability. Your constancy has been one of the fixed stars of my life. I'm sad now that I am on the other side of the country and can offer little in the way of practical help.
Please take care of yourself. I am going to visit my mother on Thursday for 5 days. You and she are so dear to me and I treasure each day I have the knowledge of your presence in my life.

With Love
Steve

David Ayres

February 4, 2009

A true gentleman and a gentle man. Your spirit will be with us for the remainder of our lives.

Brent Rydin

February 3, 2009

Poppy was a great man. While I only knew him for a relatively small fraction of his very long life, he was always an incredibly kind, thoughtful man with an unwavering devotion to the people he loved. The stories about him are magnificent and he was just as much of a hero every single day to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Lauren, Grandma, and Poppy in Florida, one of Poppy's favorite places

Lauren Ayres

February 3, 2009

Poppy was one of the greatest people I have ever known. He helped raise me in a lot of ways, and I am incredibly grateful to have had him in my life for so long. I'll never forget the "pillow palace" he would make me when I was sick, singing "My Old Kentucky Home" to me at night, and the face he would make every time I had pig-tails as a little girl. He was a true hero and I will miss him, love him, and think of him every day for the rest of my life.

I love you Poppy.

Andrew Whelan

February 3, 2009

I'll miss seeing Poppy at his home and on the holiday's. These are times that I will always remember. Poppy although you are not physically here, your spirits, personality and character will always be with us. You and gramma are so loved by your family and friends.

jennifer ayres

February 3, 2009

My heart is broken.

Jean Anderson Ayres

February 3, 2009

When I was in my freshman year of college I missed my family very much. For my first visit home my father built a "gum tree". He got a large branch from the yard and individually tied pieces of my favorite gum to each branch and put the entire tree in my room for a surprise. I am decades past being a college freshman but still remember that tree and the love that went into it. Miss you!

Bobby Anderson

February 3, 2009

Ralph and I have so many memories together and we had so much fun. We built a good life together. I miss you.