Ralph A. Hanabury Sr.

Ralph Hanabury Obituary

HANABURY, Ralph A. Sr. "Papa" Of Melrose, Nov. 15, 2008. 85 years of age. Beloved husband of the late Ethel L. (Holmes) Hannabury died at home surrounded by his beloved family; daughter Jane Lavender & her husband James of Melrose, grandchildren Alison (Lavender) Fox & her husband Gregory of Bristol, RI, Jaclyn (Lavender) Bird & her husband Brian of Melrose & Jason Lavender of Melrose. He was the cherished great grandfather of Joseph & Anna Fox & Jake & Josh Bird. Also dear "father" to his beloved Serah Ngwa & her family of Chelsea, MA & dear loving friend of Regina Ngegong. Born on November 29, 1922 in Chelsea to the late Edward & Anna (Stevens) Hannabury, Papa was raised in Chelsea & his early childhood years were like most other families during the depression. During his high school years, the talk of war began. After graduating as Valedictorian in 1940 from Boston Trade School, he went to work in the Boston Navy Shipyard, as there was talk of leasing ships to England to help in their war effort. Shortly after his two brothers joined the infantry, Papa enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and became an aerial gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. He served proudly in the 8th Air Force 401st Bomb Group & flew thirty-five successful missions. He was wounded in one mission and received a Purple Heart. He was credited with shooting down an enemy plane. He received a Distinguished Flying Cross, five Air Medals, a Purple Heart, several theater decorations and the Presidential Unit Citation. Mr. Hannabury retired in 1988 as a division manager in charge of labor arbitration for the New England Telephone Co. In his retirement he served as Chairman of the Melrose Personnel Board & as an independent arbitrator. After retirement and the passing of his beloved wife, papa lived with his daughter Jane & her husband Jim, his grandson Jason, his dear friends Serah & Regina & the many visitors each day. Papa cherished the busy household & loved spending holidays, birthdays & other celebrations with family & friends. His thoughtfulness & caring attitude kept him busy & happy-whether it was cutting out newspaper clippings he thought people would enjoy, planting in the garden, walking the dogs, making chicken sandwiches, ordering from catalogues or running errands to the post office, bank, dry cleaners or grocery store. He truly put everyone else first & would not hesitate if there was anything he could do to help. He was Papa not only to his grandson, but also to all his grandson's friends and loved to see the "gang" before Red Sox games. Papa's great love for life was apparent each day when he began to fall asleep in his chair every night, but refusing to go to bed because of his desire to stay up & not miss a beat. Caring brother-in-law to Doris Hannabury of Melrose & Carol Hannabury of Andover. Also survived by his son Ralph A. Hannabury, Jr. & his wife Mary of Boston & their family. Papa was preceded in death by his sister Phyllis Hannabury & brothers Edward, Francis & George Hannabury. Visiting hours in the Gately Funeral home 79 W. Foster St., MELROSE, on Tues. Nov. 18th from 4-8PM. Family & friends respectfully invited. Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ralph's memory may be made to the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum c/o 175 Bourne Ave. Pooler, GA 31322. For directions, flowers or to sign guest book, visit www.gatelyfh.com Gately Funeral Home of Melrose (781) 665-1949

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Published by Boston Globe from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Hanabury

6 Entries

Mike Casey

November 26, 2008

Mr. Hanabury,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the U.S. Army Air Forces during WW II as a B-17 crewman flying bombing missions over Nazi occupied Europe. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Tony Pelusi Jr

November 19, 2008

Dear Jane, I am heartfelt sorry to hear about your dad's passing. It was so nice of you to share some of your warm memories about him with me.
I will keep you and yours in my prayers

Elaine Moore

November 18, 2008

Jane, I am so sorry for your loss. Just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ellen Woods

November 18, 2008

Jane,

As I was walking by your house today, I noticed the flag at half mast. I am so very sorry for the loss you and your family are feeling. Fathers are indeed special and their passing leaves an awful hole. The children and I will miss your dad's friendly wave. You were so fortunate to have had eachother.

My own dad used to say that we should all "pray for a happy death." The fact that your father passed away at home surrounded by his family was such a blessing to all of you! I am sorry that I did not realize his passing in time to attend the wake. Know that I am thinking of you!

Love,
Ellen Woods

Martha Belden

November 17, 2008

My father had very few close friends in his life, and Ralph was one of them. Once a year I teach a negotiation course at a graduate school that involves labor relations and for many years Ralph would come into the course as a guest lecturer. The students loved him and he, them. In fact, they referred to him as the "elderly statesman" in appearance and manner. What a talented man he was. This Saturday, November 15, was the first day of this year's course and I mentioned Ralph (as I do each year) and all that he had taught me about conflict resolution and arbitration. The "coincidence" of his passing on that day is not lost on me. Ralph will be missed by all who knew him - my father's best friend, the "elderly statesman". Rest in peace.

Sandy Fall, MVES

November 17, 2008

Jane,
Although I didn't know your father, the newspaper article indicates he was a remarkable family man who loved life. I am so sorry for your loss.

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