Rev. Ralph D. "Beaver" Locke

GENEVA - The Rev. Ralph D. "Beaver" Locke, 84, of Teall Beach, Geneva entered into eternal life and peace on Thursday (June 25, 2015) with his loving family by his side.
Family and friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday (July 1) at the DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home, 181 N. Main St., Geneva. Members of the Hydrant Hose Co. of the Geneva Fire Department will meet at 7:00 p.m. for a memorial service; members of Winnek Post #396 American Legion will meet at 7:15 p.m. for a memorial service and members of Geneva Lodge #965 Free & Accepted Masons will meet at 7:30 p. m. for a Masonic Service.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday (July 2) in St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 149 Genesee St., The Very Rev. James Adams, rector, will officiate. Burial will follow in Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery with Military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's Church, 149 Genesee St., Geneva, N.Y., 14456, to St. John's Episcopal Church, Marcellus, N.Y. or to Geneva Lodge #963 Free & Accepted Mason, 553 Exchange St., Geneva, N.Y., 14456.
Ralph was born February 1, 1931 in Geneva, N.Y., the son of the late Dayton and Mary Kelleher Locke. He grew up in Geneva and graduated from Geneva High School. Enlisting in the U.S. Army, he served in Korea from 1949-52 and was awarded 5 bronze stars, service meritorious unit commendations and the Korean War Medal. The Rev. Locke worked at the plumbing trade before starting work for the City of Geneva. He served the city as the Water Dept. foreman for 20 years, retiring in 1986 after 23 years of service. The water department never had to dig twice to find a water main or underground pipe in Geneva as Ralph had memorized where they all were. Ralph was a life member of the Hydrant Hose Co., No. 1 of the Geneva Fire Department, a life member of the Winnek Post #396 American Legion, serving as Commander in 1972. He also was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2670 in Geneva and then Post #6433 in Waterloo. Ralph was a Cub Master in Geneva and was also involved with Boy Scout Troop 6 as well as a member of the Geneva Rotary Club. Right Worshipful Rev. Ralph Locke was a member of Geneva Lodge #965 Free & Accepted Masons. He served the lodge in a number of positions and was elected Master 1979. He was appointed Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York in 1994. Rev. Locke was a member of SKOI-YASE No. 75 Cryptic Masons; Geneva Chapter No. 36, Royal Arch Masons and served as High Priest. Geneva Commandery Knights Templar No. 29 and served as Commander; Damascus Temple A. A. O. N. M. S. and served as President of the Geneva Shrine Club. He served as President of the Masonic Charities Corporation of the OSY District in 1979. He attended Community College of the Finger Lakes (now FLCC) earning an Associate's Degree and attended Oswego State University where he earned a Bachelor's of Arts Degree. Ralph went onto Bexely Hall Divinity School in Rochester, N.Y. Where he earned a Masters of Divinity Degree. He was ordained to the Diaconate on June 13, 1992 and ordained to the Priesthood of the Episcopal Church on January 2, 1993 in St. Peter's Church in Geneva. He served as Vicar of St. John's Episcopal Church in Marcellus, NY for 8 years and then served as Vicar of Grace Willowdale Episcopal Church on East Lake Rd. Geneva, Christ Episcopal Church, Willard, N.Y. and the Church of the Epiphany in Trumansburg until his retirement. The Rev. Locke performed the weddings of one of his daughters, one of his sons and baptized his grandchildren as well as countless others both locally and abroad with some as far away as England and Scotland.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Wright Locke of Geneva; children, David Locke, Roxanne Kelly, Judy (Richard) Lerch, and Andrew Locke; grandchildren, Andrea Locke of Boston, Mass., Emily Locke, Amanda Kelly, Daniel Lerch all of Geneva, Jesse Locke of Bloomfield; his sister, Audrey Fetterolf of Syracuse; brother, Paul (Sallie) Locke of Buffalo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ralph was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Mille Locke; brother-in-law, Dirk Fetterolf; and son-in-law, John Kelly.
For those wishing to write a note of condolence, please visit www.devaneybennettfh.com.