RALPH WALDO EMERSON COX Jr., DDS

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RALPH COX Obituary

COX, RALPH WALDO EMERSON JR., DDS - aviation pioneer in Cape May passes away peacefully at age 97 on February 25, 2012. Born December 30, 1914 in Pittsburgh, PA; he attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated from dental school in 1938. Ralph's dream was to fly aircraft, so he volunteered for the US Army Aviation pilot program. He joined the US Navy and flew anti sub patrols along the US Eastern Seaboard and the coast of Spain. After Ralph's discharge in 1941, he supported the war effort joining American Overseas Airlines and Pan American which flew Sikorsky S44 flying boats. After the war, Ralph formed his own airline company "Ocean Air Tradeways" based at NAS Wildwood (now Cape May County Airport). Subsequently, the airline name was changed to US Overseas Airlines (USOA) and became an overhaul base and the largest employer in Cape May County. During its operating history, USOA was a major participant in the Berlin Airlift, Korean Airlift, and special airlift from Guantanamo Bay during the Cuban Missile Crisis. During the 1950's USOA operated scheduled services to the Philippines, Okinawa, the Far East, San Juan, and the Caribbean. USOA was a major developer and pioneer of low cost coach passenger air service in the US transcontinental market to the islands of Hawaii. In 1964 Ralph opened the Wildwood Canadian Campground near his home in Rio Grande. In the early 1970's Ralph participated in the US Congressional hearings which lead to the enactment of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 giving birth to the low cost airline service that we have today. Ralph is survived by his two children: Maureen Harris and Ralph Waldo Emerson Cox III; his son-in-law Jeffery Harris; and his three grandchildren: Ian and Andrew Harris and Kelly Cox. There will be a funeral service at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Evoy Funeral Home, 3218 Bayshore Rd, North Cape May, NJ 08204; where friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. The family suggests donations in Ralph's memory to the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, 500 Forrestal Rd, Rio Grande, NJ 08242. For a detailed look at Ralph's life, visit www.flyusoa.com. To share condolences, please visit www.evoyfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Press of Atlantic City on Mar. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for RALPH COX

9 Entries

Roland Roy Jr.

February 23, 2023

Remembering Ralph Cox on the anniversary of his passing, he was a friend, of gentle nature, and one whose intellect surpassed so many, regardless of the topic of discussion. I loved his stories of travel, adventure, and being an entrepreneur. A true gentleman who everytime I pass the Cox Estate on Rt. 9 in Rio Grande, I think of him. Life is short, memories last a long time thereafter and are treasured in remembrance of a dear soul, not to be forgotten.

RL & Sheila Pugh

March 9, 2012

We are sorry andy for your loss I pray god will give you and your family joy in your grandfathers memories! I loved hearing your stories of him and even though I never got to meet him I wish we could have! All prayers and love to u all

Craig Stewart

March 6, 2012

I worked for USOA as an A&P Mechanic in the early 60's. These were great and fun filled times. I recently toured the museum and it brought back wonderful thoughts. Dr. Cox was truly a remarkable man and a gentleman !!!

Crystal Taylor

March 5, 2012

Rest in peace

Larry Forsyth

March 3, 2012

It was an honer to know Ralph.Ralph knew my father very well. We lived across the street at the end of the camp ground road. As a Young boy I worked at the horse farm that was near the house.Ralph would smile at me and let me do things with the old cars, and many items in the barn, and at the airport.I was one of the people that helped him remove the wings of a Stinson gull wing relient aircraft so that it could be put away for a time that it would be restored.Ralph was a man that would teach you any thing you ever wanted to know about old things, Cars, aircraft, player pianos, and he even tried to teach me how to use a sextant that he used during his time in the war. I worked with him on many thimgs in and around the barn,campground and the cars.We would talk for many hours about what was happening in Washington and politics.I remember walking to the farm and he was sitting at the kitchen table with his dentist tools out looking in the mirror fixing one of his teeth. This is one man that made a difference in the world. A man that had big dreams and never gave up on making them happen.They just dont make men like this any more. He will be missed and a loss to all of us. Maureen,BuddY and family, I pray that you have peace.

ellen thompson dailey

March 2, 2012

as a child, i remember fondly walking through uncle ralph's hanger in wildwood. I was in awe at the airplanes, old cars and the piano that played itself. those are memories from some 50 years ago, and, yet, i can still smell today that hanger and all of its history within that uncle ralph spent a lifetime putting together. He was a gracious man.

Andrew Cox

March 1, 2012

Uncle Ralph was often and fondly spoken of in my family. I remember visiting him in Wildwood and in Pittsburgh. He had a unique ability to charm me with rides on the Model T tractor he designed and built; by the museum he built and his antique cars; and by letting Maureen and I drive a jeep around the Campground at Wildwood when we were young. I remember his visit to my family in Washington state; and when I saw him with my boys during our time in Oxnard. He was always articulate, knew of and participated in much of aviation history. My family and I will miss him; it is truly the end of an era. Most of all I hope Maureen and Buddy, and their families, cope with their loss. My condolences on Ralph's passing. Andrew Cox, Connie Cox, and our kids Andrea, Geoff and Weston Cox.

Roland Roy

March 1, 2012

I will always remember the true friendship Ralph shared with my family and I, and the many talks we had-regarding current affairs and matters from the past. Ralph was very articulate . knew a lot of people and was a walking piece of history. He would talk to me of his children and of time spent with my father and uncle. Some of his many adventures and I could not help but view him as a man's man. It was a pleasure to have known Ralp;h for over 44 years. I will miss the opportunity to stop by often and just shoot the breeze. My most sincere condolences are to Maureen, Buddy, and his Grandchildren. May you Rest In Peace Old Friend

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