Ralph Arnold Straley

Ralph Arnold Straley, aged 90, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, in Columbia, MD. surrounded by many loved ones. Ralph was born September 1934 and was known for his lively and energetic personality. He was deeply rooted in his love for all things Maryland including Orioles baseball and Raven's football. He was a musical man who enjoyed dancing, listening to big band music, and playing tunes on his trumpet. Ralph's sense of humor and his ever-present smile will be fondly remembered by those who knew him.

Ralph graduated from Lewistown High School (1952) in Lewistown, PA and then proudly served in the United States Navy on the USS Curtis from February 1954 to December 1957. After his military service, he earned his BS from Lockhaven State College, Pa. (January 1962) After college, Ralph began his career in education as a physical education teacher at Catonsville Elementary School from 1962 to 1968. He then worked for the Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO) from 1968 until 1998. He was dedicated to his life's work making significant contributions like lobbying for improved salaries and work standards for teachers.

After retiring in 1998, Ralph continued advocating and representing Baltimore County teachers for many years. Ralph was also able to travel around the U.S. and Europe with Natalie, his wife of 35 years, by his side. Later years kept Ralph closer to home, enjoying many visits with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, for birthdays, holidays, weddings, and graduations.

Ralph also coached, played, and officiated many recreational sports teams in Catonsville and surrounding counties. His love and passion for athletics and sports were shared with many of the local youth and adult recreational leagues. He continued his passion for sports throughout his lifetime and enjoyed other activities like bowling, darts, shuffleboard, cards, and golf. Ralph remained an enthusiastic sports fan, even in his later years, keenly listening to football and baseball games on TV and radio.

Ralph is survived by his children, David (Shannon Rutchik) Straley, father of Joshua and Kayla, mother Christi Crow; Christopher Straley; Brian Straley; Andrew (Joelle) Straley, father of Abigail, Arianna, and Madison; Elizabeth (Robert) Beckelman, mother of Alec and Avery; Meg Nugent; Michael (Candy D'Adamo) Nugent, father of Rachel and Michael Quinn mother Elizabeth Nugent; Beth Reid, mother of Christine (Colin) Carr, grandmother of Lilly and Cairenn; and Tom Nugent, father of Regina mother Debbie Pearman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Natalie Straley; son-in-law, John Reid; sister, Amelia (Straley) Swanger; niece, JoAnn Soccio; and former wife, C. Jane (Esposito) Straley

A committal service with military honors will be held at 11 am on October 6th, 2025, at the Baltimore National Cemetery, 5501 Frederick Ave., Catonsville, MD 21228. Reception will follow at the American Legion Dewey Lowman Post 109 at 1610 Old Sulphur Spring Rd., Halethorpe, MD .21227 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to woundedwarriorproject.org or by phone 855-448-3997.