Ralph C. Shivone

Ralph C. (Toots) Shivone

AGE: 95 • Wilmington

Ralph C. (Toots) Shivone of Wilmington, Delaware died peacefully in his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware on October 1, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was 95 years old.

He is preceded in death by his wife June and his son, Rip; by brothers Lou, Franny, and Dicky, and sister, Johanna. Ralph is survived by his children Francis, Meg, and Victor and by his sisters Anita, Elaine, Pat, Laura, Thelma, and Dolores.

He obtained a Bachelor's degree in business from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business.

Ralph enlisted and honorably served as an officer in the U.S. Army, 99th Division, Company C, 395th Infantry during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for bravery in service.

After the war, Ralph worked with his family at the Fairfax Restaurant in the Fairfax Shopping Center. In 1966 he left the restaurant business and became a Realtor in New Castle County. He retired as Executive Director of the New Castle County Board of Realtors. The library at the Board offices is named in his honor.

In retirement after the death of his beloved wife June he enjoyed the time he spent with his 11 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He was a caddy for Ben, an army scout in the woods with his Texas grandchildren, and an enthusiastic fan for the countless games of soccer, field hockey, baseball, football, and basketball. Ralph loved the music of his era, the big bands, Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra. He and June knew every line of every episode of Mash, and he and his daughter Meg never missed the Jeopardy Show. Fittingly, he died at 8:00 pm after Jeopardy was done for the day. He was an accomplished crossword puzzle lover until his last days and could whip through a New York Times Sunday crossword with ease.

In his retirement years Ralph loved walking the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk and watching passers-by from his front porch. Ralph always enjoyed good conversation and good company, whether it was at a weekly lunch with his buddies at the Captain's Table, or early morning coffee with good friends at Panera.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958. Interment will be private.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Delaware Hospice who was of great comfort during his final days.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Shivone's memory to the Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or Meals on Wheels, 32409 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes, DE 19958.

Please visit Mr. Shivone's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.