Ralph Elsman

Ralph Elsman, 97, of Medford, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Medford Leas, Medford, NJ. Ralph was born in 1928 in Irvington, NJ to Raymond and Laura Elsman, He grew up in Irvington and attended college at Rutgers University and majored in accounting and then entered the world of finance 1949. He started his career at Francis I. duPont & Co, E. F. Hutton, Shearson Lehman and Citigroup brokerage firms. Ralph was married in 1951 to Anita (Lange) Elsman, who he met at Francis I. duPont & Co in 1949. In 1987 Ralph and Anita moved to Gillette NJ. They were married for 72 years prior to her passing in October 2022. Ralph spent his last years in Medford, NJ near his daughter Anita until his passing. He enjoyed a lifetime of weightlifting. In 1955, he was the state Olympic-style lifting champion in the 148-pound class, finishing third in the nation. He also competed in 2010 at the age of 82 in the National Masters Weightlifting Championships and won his age group. He was also an avid fan of classic films and college football, in particular Notre Dame.
Ralph was a kind and caring husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind his daughter Mary, son-in-law David O'Connor, daughter Kathleen, son-in-law Robert Hansen, daughter Delores Elsman, son Ralph Elsman, daughter-in-law Frances, son Raymond Elsman, daughter-in-law Renee, daughter Anita, son-in-law Thomas Haluszczak and nine grandchildren, Rory Kijas, Andrea Robertson, Daniel Elsman, Robert O'Connor, Laura Hansen, Meghan Paccione, Erik, Luke and Jake Elsman. He also leaves behind nine great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
Donations may be made in Ralph's memory to the Shrine of Saint Joseph, 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980.
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Mathis Funeral Home, Medford, NJ.