RALPH ROLLAND LEARNED

RALPH ROLLAND LEARNED SOUTH BURLINGTON - Ralph Rolland Learned, 82, died peacefully early Sunday morning, Feb. 21, 2010, at his home, with his loving family by his side, including his dog Toby, following a long determined and courageous battle with cancer. He now joins his loving wife in heaven. Ralph was born on July 13, 1927, in Fairfax, the son of Girard and Agnes (Boozan) Learned. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. On Aug. 27, 1949, Ralph married Blanche Willis at Christ the King Catholic Church in Burlington. They had lived for many years on Staniford Road in Burlington, where they raised their children, Jeff and Jean. Then later moved to Porters Point in Colchester where they tore down the family camp and Ralph built yet another home. They resided there for many years, and after his wife Blanche died, Ralph built a hunting camp in East Fairfield and lived there almost the remainder of his life with his dog Toby. He had worked for Pizzagalli Construction Co. for 26 years, working several years as a Superintendant. Before this he was self employed in construction for many years. He had a special gift at doing finish carpentry, paying very close attention to detail. He also loved to putter on his own home. Ralph was a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Colchester. He was an avid fisherman and always enjoyed working in his large garden and enjoyed giving away the fruits of his labor. He also loved to hunt. Ralph loved the outdoors tremendously and started his own tree farm along with managing the woods he owned. Whatever Ralph took from Mother Nature, he always gave back. He also enjoyed a cold Genesee after a hard day's work. Working hard was Ralph's enjoyment. Ralph was a loyal Red Sox fan and enjoyed Texas Holdem with all of his buddies. Ralph was predeceased by Blanche on Nov. 18 of 1994 and is survived by his children, Jeff Learned and fiance Heidi Slattery of South Burlington and Jean Osborne and her husband Bryan of Colchester, by four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his sisters Arlene Brown of Fairfax, Mary Learned Cleary of Hyde Park, Marshia Wilkenson and husband Earl of Virginia, Margaret Woodworth of Westford, Dorothy Root of Westford, and Bernice Hakey of Swanton. He was also predeceased by his brothers Aaron and Elmer Learned. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Roger Charbonneau on Monday March 1, 2010, at 11 a.m. in the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Colchester. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery with a luncheon to follow in the church hall at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Contributions in Ralph's memory may be made to the Redemption Band, c/o Holy Cross Catholic Church 416 Church Road, Colchester, VT 05446. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Minor Funeral Home in Milton. Online condolences may be made to www.minorfh.com