Ralph Averill "Rick" Powers Jr.

1936 - 2025

Ralph Powers Jr.

Ralph "Rick" Averill Powers Jr., 89, of St. Simons Island, passed away peacefully on April 17 attended by his loving family.

Born on March 9, 1936, in New London, Connecticut, to Ralph Averill Powers Sr. and Katharine Parker Powers, Rick was the youngest of six children. He attended The Fessenden School, Groton School and Harvard University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Music. After Harvard, Rick entered the Navy. He attended the Navy's Officer Candidate School, served as a LTJG on the submarine USS Sea Robin, and was honorably discharged. After the Navy, Rick received his MBA from Harvard Business School.

At Harvard, as the manager of the crew team, Rick learned to pilot a single screw vessel. The Navy taught Rick navigation, and he used both of these skills (as well as his formidable ability to repair mechanical and electrical systems) for many years as he cruised the waters of New England in the Tenango, a historic Elco which he loved, and of which he took great care.

Rick married Barbara Barrett Fuller on June 20, 1987, in Providence, Rhode Island. Those who knew the couple well would frequently hear Rick refer to Barbara as his angel. He adored her outgoing, gregarious nature and ability to make friends wherever she went. Rick was previously married to Astrea Sieglaff (Hupfel), and they had three children.

Rick served as the president of Robertson Paper Box Co. in Montville, Connecticut. In an early job at Robertson, Rick introduced the company to an IBM 360 computer and was a talented pioneer in computer programming. He and Barbara greatly enjoyed membership in YPO, the Young Presidents' Organization, and participated in their events all over the country. After 26 years in New England, Rick and Barbara retired to enjoy their golden years on beautiful St. Simons Island.

Rick first learned to play the organ at Groton School, and it became a lifelong passion. And thus, in his retirement Rick returned to his first love, music, and referred to himself as an "itinerant organist." Rick served as an organist and often as a choir director in many churches, including St. James Episcopal Church and The Pequot Chapel, both in New London, Connecticut; St. John's Episcopal Church on Fishers Island, New York; Altama Presbyterian Church and St. Athanasius Episcopal Church, both in Brunswick; and finally at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, also in Brunswick, where he played until retiring in October 2024.

Rick was an active member of Rotary and of the Attitude Adjustment group. He was a long time member and past chairman of the Ivy League Club, and he served as a Glynn County Tax Assessor for 21 years. He possessed a zest for life, for learning new skills, playing games, and loved humor, Broadway musicals and puzzles of all kinds.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Barbara; his son, Ralph A. Powers III; his daughters, Kristin P. Harkness and Jennifer P. Ligeti (George); his stepsons, Graham Fuller and Bradford Fuller; his stepdaughter, Hollis Hunter Fuller; and his eight grandchildren, Katharine Van Egmond (Brett), Samantha Ligeti, Alexander Ligeti, Fenway Powers, Lilla Powers, Hunter Morris, Charlotte Morris and Lucie Morris.

A memorial service celebrating Rick's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 2 at St. Simons Presbyterian Church, 205 Kings Way, St. Simons Island.

Memorial contributions in Rick's name may be made to St. Simons Presbyterian Church or Hospice of the Golden Isles.

Family-placed obituary

The Brunswick News, April 26, 2025