Ralph Cartwright Jr.

Ralph J. Cartwright Jr. formerly of Upper Gwynedd, PA passed away peacefully on December 9, 2018 at The Laurels @ Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, Sellersville, PA. He was 94. Ralph was born in Philadelphia, PA, on May 12, 1924 the oldest of eight children of the late Ralph J. Cartwright Sr. and Margaret (McDermott) Cartwright. Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary (Miller) in 2015. Ralph and Mary were married 65 years ago on November 19, 1949. Ralph was educated in the Philadelphia Archdioceses Parochial School System and LaSalle College High School, graduating in 1942. At 18, he was inducted into the United States Army, New Cumberland, PA on October 5, 1942. He received the Silver Star for gallantry in action on December 6, 1944 in France. He was a Sergeant with Company C, 142nd Infantry Regiment APO#36, US Army. On November 11, 2012, in Washington D.C. he had been appointed a “Chevalier” of the Legion of Honor as a sign of France’s gratitude for his personal contribution to the liberation of France during WWII. Ralph was a graduate of St. Joseph’s University, class of 1950 earning a business degree in marketing. He worked for 38 years in the pharmaceutical industry and after retiring then worked part time for Hunyady Auction and Appraisal Company, Hatfield, PA. Ralph had been an active member at St. Rose of Lima RC Church in North Wales, PA. Each year, for 70 years, he attended a prayerful retreat weekend at Malvern Retreat House. Ralph was an avid golfer. He played locally with his friends and was especially delighted to play at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, CA with his daughter Marian. He had such an exceptionally charismatic personality and was loved so much by all his friends, family and many cousins. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Father John E. Doyle Council 9715. He was also a member of the VFW Lansdale, PA. Ralph was very service oriented and was a prime example of the era of the gentleman. Ralph led an active life caring for his family. Ralph is survived by his daughters, Mary Doughty (David) of Hilltown, Margaret Brendlinger (Craig) of Upper Pottsgrove, Marian Cartwright (Tricia Dice) of Carlsbad, CA, and Monica Cartwright of North Wales. A son who preceded him in death, Ralph J. Cartwright III and his wife Phyllis. He had twelve grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. The Cartwright family would like to thank the staff at The Laurels @ Hidden Meadows and Grandview Hospital Hospice for the wonderful care and love they gave him. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Sunday evening December 16, 2018 from 6 – 8 PM at the William R. May Funeral Home, Inc. 142 N. Main St., North Wales, PA 19454 and Monday morning December 17, 2018 from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at St. Rose of Lima Church 428 S Main Street, North Wales, PA 19454. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment at St. John Neumann Cemetery 3797 County Line Road, Chalfont, PA 18914. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ralph’s name can be made to Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or The American Cancer Society 1818 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.