Ralph C Otley, 88, of Chinchilla, died Monday, in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. He was the husband of the late Mary Otley. The couple was married for over 42 years before her death in 2001.
Born February 25, 1937 in Scranton he was the son of the late Raymond and Christina (Weathers) Otley. Ralph graduated from Scranton Tech and was drafted into the United States Army in 1961 where he honorably served his country at Fort Benning, Georgia for 2 years prior to being discharged. He worked for over 30 years at Trane Company in Dunmore. He then worked many years at Abington Heights Middle School in the maintenance department.
Ralph was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Snows Church and, along with his son Duane, was a staple in greeting people as they entered, assisting them with seating, and helping with the collection. If you knew Ralph you know he enjoyed eating out, Broadway shows, summer festivals, and decorating the house for Christmas. Ralph loved sharing stories with anyone who would listen, especially stories that started with "back in my day..."
Survivors include daughter, Michele Palumbo and her husband, Tim of Spartanburg, SC, son, Duane Otley of Chinchilla. Granddaughters, Amy and Carissa (Spartanburg, SC). Grandsons Tim (York, PA), Brian (deceased), and Jonathan (US NAVY). And great grandson, Frank (Spartanburg). Many nieces and nephews.The funeral will take place on Friday at 10am at Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State Street, Clarks Summit, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from 5-7 at Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit.
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