Ralph Cartwright Jr.

Ralph - one of the kindest, nicest people that I have ever met - dear friend of my parents at St Rose - thank you just for being you. I hope Heaven is as nice as it purports to be - you deseve all the best.

As I recall, the year was 1943, Ralph was in the Army, awaiting orders to go overseas. He came to visit his Aunt Kathryn (his Mom, Margaret's sister) to say goodbye to the Schaeffer Family vacationing that summer in Beach Haven, New Jersey. I was 10 years old and very enamored with my handsome cousin, so when he invited me to walk with him to the beach - I jumped at the chance. I recall the far away look in his eyes as we sat watching the Atlantic Ocean - I'm sure contemplating what lie ahead. Somehow, at that tender age, I knew to be quiet and wait until he felt like talking again. Ralph was always a sweet, caring, family-oriented guy (even to his young cousins), Over the years, we always stayed close. Mostly on the phone but visited as often as we could. I have precious memories of my dear cousin that I treasure, now especially, in my dotage! (I'm next oldest living child of the McDermott girls at 85).