Ralph Elbridge Starmer

Ralph Starmer, of Scottsdale Arizona and formerly Scituate Massachusetts, passed away on May 19, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family, peacefully leaving us after fearlessly battling health complications. Ralph was the patriarch of his large extended family - he was fondly referred to as #1 to his six siblings, Troj to his many friends, Papa to his grandchildren, Uncle Yuck-Yuck to his nieces and nephews, as well as Ralphie boy, Trojie, and the Trojinator! Ralph was known for being a friend to everyone he met, for having an optimistic outlook on life, a strong work ethic, and a fun-loving spirit.
Ralph was born on August 5, 1939 to Elbridge and Hazel Starmer. He graduated from Murray State College and married the love of his life in 1963. Ralph and Linda had four children while moving around the country during Ralph's tenure with the RCA record company. They enjoyed family vacations driving across country, boating on the lakes of Texas and the Atlantic coast of Massachusetts, and skiing in the white mountains of NH. Ralph was recruited to Massachusetts to lead sales for Spencer Press in the early 1980s and recently retired in Arizona. He also enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends at the Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham MA and was a key contributor in recruiting donations for the Abbey's annual auction and golf tournament for many years. Ralph was a huge sports fan – his favorite teams were the Cubs and the Red Sox; and the Indianapolis 500 race has been a family tradition regularly attended by the Starmer brothers, sons, nephews, cousins, and grandsons. Ralph was a lifelong golfer - in the end, he fought to live, with the hope of playing golf again. His positive attitude, determination, and love of life made him a favorite of those who knew him.
Ralph is survived by his wife Linda, children Susan Moyse (Dan) and Rusty (Kristin), grandchildren Zach and Shannon Moyse, and siblings Rod, Rich, Ruth Mary, Roberta, Ron and Randy. He is predeceased by his daughter Sheila, son Andy, father Elbridge and mother Hazel. Private celebrations of life will be planned later in Massachusetts and Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Network for Organ Donation (700 N 4th St, Richmond VA 23219-1414, www.unos.org) or to The Glastonbury Abbey (16 Hull Street, Hingham, Massachusetts 02043, www.glastonburyabbey.org)