Ralph O. Whitcomb

Mr. Ralph O. Whitcomb 89, of Brooksby Village, Peabody, formerly of West Boylston and Pocasset, beloved husband of the late Evelyn J. (Pires) Whitcomb, died Wednesday morning at Wingate at Andover.

Born in Abbottstown, PA, he was the son of the late Ralph O. Sr. and Alta (Walker) Whitcomb. He was raised and educated in West Boylston and attended Stockbridge School of Agriculture in Amherst.

An honorably discharged decorated veteran, Mr. Whitcomb, served his country as a member of the 181st Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division of the United States Army during WW II. For his valor, he was awarded the Bronze Medal, the Conduct Infantry Badge and retired at the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel from the Army National Guard.

Mr. Whitcomb had been employed with the Town of West Boylston in the Municipal Light Department for many years, until the time of his retirement.

A long time resident of West Boylston, Ralph and his wife upon their retirements resided in Pocasset for over twenty-five years until recently moving to Brooksby Village in Peabody five years ago. He was a member of the Military Officers of America and was active in many circles at Brooksby Village. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed.

Ralph was the father of the late Linda Curran and is survived by his daughters: Judith Hanrahan and her husband, Martin, and Betsy Murphy and her husband, Stephen, his grandchildren: Bryan, Michael and Sean Murphy and Christopher Hanrahan, Caitlyn Russell and Patrick and John Curran; his five great-grandchildren; his sisters: June Marvin and Jane Leslie; his son-in-law, John Curran; and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Jackie Dolan, Edgar and Lorenz Whitcomb.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral Mass will be held Saturday in the Chapel at Brooksby Village, Peabody at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours in the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St., (Rte 62) Danvers, Friday from 4 to 8 P.M. For more information, inquire at 978-774-6600 On line guestbook at www.legacy.com. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Ralph's memory to the West Boylston Historical Society, P.O. Box 201 West Boylston, MA 01583.