Ralph William Sallee

1927 - 2022

Ralph William Sallee
November 26, 1927 - February 9, 2022
Carmel
Ralph William Sallee, long-time resident of Pacific Grove, passed away on the 9th of February. He was a meteorologist in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Commander in 1975. Born in Arkansas in 1927, Ralph served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany during the Korean War. Later he served in Hawaii, Guam, Port Hueneme, California and at the U.S. Naval Station Sangley Point, Philippines. In 1967, Lt. Comdr. Sallee became Officer-in-Charge, Detachment Charlie, Antarctic Support Activities and in recognition of his meteorological research contribution during his service with Operation Deep Freeze, a mapped area of the Antarctica was named Sallee Snowfield by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN).
Following his retirement, Ralph pursued his passion for automobiles by opening Monterey Peninsula Sports & Imports in 1977, a Renault and Lancia dealership in Monterey. Later, he worked for the architectural firm of Hall, Goodhue, Haisley & Barker and began a long and productive membership with the Pacific Grove Kiwanis Club. He also volunteered as a delivery driver for Meals on Wheels and was a "Watchstander" (docent) for the Monterey Maritime Museum.
Ralph's beloved wife for 65 years, Dorothea, passed away in 2014. He is survived by his youngest brother Robert Sallee of Florida, his daughter, Denise Sallee of Carmel Valley, his son William Sallee and daughter-in-law Jeanne Marie of Port Angeles, Washington, his oldest grandchild Lara Sallee and her husband Shadow Moyer of Dublin, Ireland, his granddaughters Eryn and Kaitlyn Sallee of Washington State and grandson Brynan Sallee of Santa Barbara, as well as three great-granddaughters.
Ralph's priorities were always his family, his community, and his country. Let this be his legacy.
The family gratefully acknowledges the excellent care and love Ralph received in his last years at Visionary Assisted Living in Carmel as well as his longtime care by Dr. Jeffery Rice. Also a very special thank you to the Visiting Nurse Association for his end-of-life care and support for the family. Those wishing to make a contribution, in memory of Ralph, can be made to the VNA & Hospice online www.ccvna.com or by calling (831) 372-6668. Additionally, to Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula, Inc. www.mowmp.org at (831) 375-4454.


View the online memorial for Ralph William Sallee