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Ralph Paul Mersiowsky

About

Drexel University

FUNERAL HOME

Hudgel's Swan Funeral Home

1335 S Swan Rd

Tucson, Arizona

Ralph Mersiowsky Obituary

Ralph Paul Mersiowsky Ralph was born on July 31, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA to Alfred and Margarete Mersiowsky and was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on September 20, 2014. He was married to his dear wife, Vicki, for nearly 48 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their three children - son, Ralph Andrew (Pat), son, Jeffrey Paul (Anissa), and daughter, Karen Isabelle Magnoni (Dominic) as well as his brothers, Richard of King George, VA and Fritz of Huntington Valley, PA. He was the proud grandfather to 10 loving grandchildren. Ralph graduated from Drexel University in 1965 and went on to have a successful 35 year career with IBM. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force Reserve from which he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. For the past 33 years Ralph loved spending his free-time in Sabino Canyon – whether it was hiking or swimming in the creek with his children and grandchildren or more recently teaching schoolchildren about the wonders of the Sonoran Desert as a volunteer naturalist. After his retirements he enjoyed sharing his fervor for Tucson by leading tours for guests of the JW Marriott Star Pass Resort. He also volunteered time with the Arizona Site Stewards, a group dedicated to protecting historical and archeological sites in our state. Over the last few years Ralph and Vicki adored spending time with their friends and family at their home in San Carlos, Mexico. Ralph decided to be confirmed into the Episcopal Church just this past April. He will be desperately missed. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Alban's Episcopal Church (3738 N. Old Sabino Canyon Rd., Tucson, AZ 85750). Donations can be made to the Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists (5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road, Tucson, AZ 85750) or to Saint Alban's Episcopal Church. Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Sep. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Mersiowsky

15 Entries

jackie lutz

October 4, 2014

I have many wonderful memories of Ralph. But, my one that I was never able to see come to fruition was to reach up snd mess up his hair!!! He was tall, I was not. Vicki and Ralph are responsible for my living in Arizona. They toured us from the Grand Canyon (in the snow) to Sabino Canyon, and all the beauty in between. They opened our hearts to this wonderful state. I will ever be greatful. They shared their home and their hearts with my family many times. Thank you. And love to you and you family. Ralph will always have a special spot in my heart.

Uncle Ralph and Aunt Vicki at Robin's wedding in Charlotte 2001

Robin Beachley

October 3, 2014

Ralph was one of the kindest, sweetest, fun, and smartest people I have ever known. I was always so happy to see him. He was just a pleasure to talk with. He will always hold a special place in my heart. When he and my Aunt Vicki came to Charlotte for our wedding it was something I will never forget. My love and prayers to all the family~I know Ralph will forever be missed. I am so sorry I could not be out there for his memorial service. But please know I am there with you in thought and prayer~~~

Joanne Triplett

October 2, 2014

Ralph was such wonderful person. I so enjoyed the time our team spent at Prison Camp doing documentation. Ralph was very dedicated and will be missed by the many lives he touched.

Darrel Armstrong

October 1, 2014

Ralph was my manager at IBM for a number of years. I respected him highly for his wisdom and dedication. Unfortunately I will be out of town and unable to attend his memorial service, but I wish his family the very best. He was a great manager to work for and I know he will be missed.

Oleta Cummins

October 1, 2014

I am deeply saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. I worked with him in the Marketing Center at IBM. He stood out as such a professional and caring person. He was missed when he retired and will be sorely missed with his passing. My sincere condolence to his family.

Bruce Master

October 1, 2014

I had the pleasure of working with Ralph at IBM for a number of years. He was such a nice man and a true professional: knowledgeable, courteous, helpful, and dedicated. A man with a great spirit! Our prayers go out to him and his family. Regards, Bruce and Alisa Master

Linda Fonzo

October 1, 2014

I will always remember Ralph, my brother in law, as a loving gentle person. He was a wonderful husband, father & grandfather. When we visited Arizona many years ago he took my daughters & I on a hike on Mt. Lemmon. He was so knowledgable of all the wild life & history. He was amazing. I will always remember his morning crossword puzzles in the New York Times, cherry popsicles & chapstick. There are so many memories. He lent me money to go on my senior high school trip to Washington, D.C.., which I paid back from babysitting money. This just shortly after he married my sister. He signed a loan for me on my first apartment in Philadelphia because i didn't have credit & not enough money to make the deposit on the rent. He & Vicki helped my husband & I with our wedding. He arranged for us to have our reception in the Commisisioned Officers Mess at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station. He was a caring, generous person. I am so glad that he & my sister came to Florida in May of 2013 for our 40th wedding anniversary party. We had such a good time at our party & at lunch at Scarlett O'Hara's restaurant in St. Augustine the next day. I didn't know it would be the last time I would see him. He will be sorely missed. Heaven has gained an angel.

Ann Marie Wolf

September 30, 2014

I was the Regional Coordinator for the Arizona Site Steward Program when Ralph joined the program and continued to work with him as a volunteer at Saguaro National Park. He was always so enthusiastic and dedicated. I really enjoyed spending time with him and will miss seeing his smiling face on the trail.

Dave Tulloss

September 29, 2014

I knew & work with Ralph at IBM. My prayers are for him & his family.

September 29, 2014

Ralph was a godsend to our neighborhood and really had a positive impact for many years. He'll be greatly missed. Lyle and Darlene Deo

Linda Stelljes

September 29, 2014

To Ralph's family: I am so sorry for the loss of a wonderful person in Ralph. Although I only knew him this past year from the Site Stewardship program and Sabino Canyon, he impressed me from the very beginning with his dedication to helping people (including me), his integrity, intelligence and caring attitude. The world was a better place because of Ralph. Sending sincerest condolences.

Amanda Heinle

September 29, 2014

I will always remember how Uncle Ralph seemed to always be smiling while talking and telling stories. He was such a positive, kind, and loving man. We will miss him and send prayers of comfort and love to Aunt Vickie and our cousins as well as their families.

Janis Richert

September 28, 2014

I remember Ralph at IBM. He was a special guy; very professional and highly skilled, a pleasure to work with. I'm sad to hear of his passing and offer my condolences to his family.

jackie lutz

September 28, 2014

A wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and volunteer. You gave so much of yourself, and were loved by so many. You will be missed by family and friends. So glad we got to know and love you way back in Oreland, PA.

September 28, 2014

Sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. His volunteer time here at Saguaro National Park was of great assistance to the Site Steward Program and the protection of cultural resource.

Park Ranger Michelle Uhr

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