Ralph Haynes

Ralph R. Haynes, 80, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at peace and surrounded by his family at home in Concord. He was the loving husband of 55 years of Jane B. (ODonoghue) Haynes and the son of the late Ralph G. and Mary F. Haynes. Ralph was born in Sudbury, Massachusetts on May 17, 1931. Ralph was a member of the Concord High School Class of 1951. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1955. Ralph had a 29-year career as a communications technician with Western Union, which he began while supporting recovery efforts during The 1955 Floods in Waterbury, Connecticut. In ensuing years with Western Union, Ralph worked primarily out of the companys Lowell, MA and Framingham, MA locations. After retirement Ralph embarked on a second career at The U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command in Natick, Massachusetts. In his spare time he earned a Massachusetts Electricians License. Ralph worked at Natick Labs for 12 years before retiring again in 1996. Less than a year after his second retirement, Ralph began a third career at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA, where he put his electricians license to work as part of the Colleges facilities staff. Ralph worked part-time at Middlesex for 12 years until 2009. In retirement Ralph was an avid golfer, and was often seen cheering for his grandchildren at theaters, ice rinks, and playing fields. Ralph was the proud father of Nancy L. Peck of Concord, Steven R. Haynes and his wife Anne of State College, PA, Julie A. Olsen of Concord, Kenneth C. Haynes and his wife Kristen of Needham and Christopher A. Haynes and his wife Cristina of Chicago, IL. He was the loving grandfather of Russell R. Peck, Hilary M. and Rebecca J. Olsen, Helena M., Declan G., Cecilia M. and Elisabeth D. Haynes, and the loyal brother of Eva Campbell of Acton, Eleanor Cullinane of Concord, George Haynes of Chelmsford and the late Gertrude Reynard, Arthur Haynes and Ruth Belmont. Ralph was a proud descendent of Deacon Josiah Haynes, a Minuteman killed in action at the age of 79 on April 19, 1775 during the first battle of the Revolutionary War. He was a long time active parishioner of the former Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in West Concord and later Holy Family Parish in Concord He was a Past Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus and an active member of the Concord Community throughout his life, serving in a number of coaching, teaching, volunteer, and fundraising roles. Ralph could be heard every Christmas ringing the bell for The Salvation Army. Funeral was held Saturday September 24th from the Dee Funeral Home, Concord followed by a funeral Mass in Holy Family Parish, Concord. Celebrant of the Mass was Rev. Austin H. Fleming, Pastor. Interment with military honors followed in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord. Concord's town flag flew at half-staff on Saturday in recognition of Mr. Haynes service to his country during the Korean Conflict. Ralph was committed to education and contributions in his name may be made to the Concord-Carlisle Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 217, Concord, MA 01742. Arrangements were under the care of Charles W. Dee and Susan M. Dee, Dee Funeral Home of Concord. To share a remembrance in Mr. Hayne's guest book please visit www.deefuneralhome.com.