Ralph Edward Appleton Junior, 65, of Dalton, MA passed away on Monday morning May 17, 2021, in the peace and comfort of his own home after a brief battle with cancer. He was Born in Pittsfield on June 7, 1955, the son of the late Ralph Edward Appleton Senior and Eleanor Cornellier- Appleton. Ralph graduated from Taconic High School in 1973 and began his career as a welder while attending high school. He was employed by Beloit Corporation for a good portion of his young adult life and would wrap up his career there at the end of the 1990s.

Ralph Appleton Jr. truly had an amazing talent when it came to working with his hands, which was paired with his excellent work ethic. He excelled at building and fixing almost anything, and even created pieces of art for fun with his master craft of welding.

Ralph was a father and husband who shared his presence with many throughout his life. One of his best kept secrets was his passion for helping his friends, a friend of a friend, or even a stranger who may have been in need. Whether it was mowing a lawn, home improvement, welding a truck frame, or plowing driveways during the winter seasons of Berkshire County, Ralph did a lot throughout his life, and was sure to share his gifts with others. Ralph also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and ice-fishing for many years, he also had a great passion for motorcycles. Ralph rode with the Greylock Riders in the early 2000's and represented them well, he was even voted as the Motorcycle Club's Sergeant-at-Arms during his tenure.

Ralph was a beloved Husband, Father, Uncle and brother and his love was surely felt by the laughs he could provide to his family. He was known by many as a true 'Man's Man' due to his talents and accomplishments as he carried himself with a unique stoicism throughout his life. As Ralph got older, he left his welding career behind and began working for CRT Inc. in 2012, a job better suited for his hardened body that he had put to strong use over the years.

At CRT Inc. Ralph transported those with medical needs, he was able to shine with his softer skills of emotional connection, socializing, sense of humor, and giving his clients a friendly familiar face that they looked forward to seeing day in and day out, truly, Ralph loved this too. Ralph enjoyed his home in Dalton and enjoyed caring for his property and sizeable yard. A testament to how he always kept his hands busy. In the final years of his life, the one thing Ralph loved the most was being a grandfather to his newly born granddaughter.

Ralph is survived by his wife Sandra Castronova Appleton, who he married on August 1st of 2015. His two Sons; Chad Appleton & Kyle Appleton, Kyle's wife Marielle Appleton, his granddaughter Juliet Appleton, and his beloved siblings Sandra Furlano, Donna Rogers, David Appleton, Wendy Appleton and Mark Appleton. Ralph was also an uncle to many nieces and nephews who he greatly loved.

Funeral Notice:

Funeral services for Mr. Ralph Appleton, Jr. will be Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North Street, Pittsfield MA 01201, with the Rev. Christopher Malatesta officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, in his memory. To leave condolences and remembrances, please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com