Ralph T. Wood, Sr.

Middleburgh – Ralph T. Wood, Sr. of Clauverwie, died peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2020 at Ellis Hospital.
 
Born on August 5, 1938 in Schoharie to the late Satina (Williams) and Melvin Henry Wood, Ralph graduated from Schoharie Central School and grew up with a passion for hard work and a willingness to give of himself to others in need.  He helped work the family farm on Stoney Brook Road along with 4 other jobs, all at the same time.  He made friends and memories with positions at the Village of Middleburgh, 16 years at Middleburgh Laundry, with Chris Nunamann, hauling cattle for various farmers, working 19 years with the Schoharie County Highway Dept. and after retiring, went back to work as a flagger with Lancaster Development.
 
In his younger years, Ralph enjoyed the serenity of nature while hunting and waiting for the perfect shot, along with weekly Sunday drives and slipping his fingers into his favorite ball and watching with excitement as it crashed through the bowling pins at the end of the lane.  An avid basketball enthusiast, he cheered loudest for the Syracuse team and also the NY METS.  His unique collection of hats grew as big as some of the stories he could share reminiscing about the days and people gone by, sharing some of his favorites around the coffee table at Mrs. K’s Kitchen.
 
Ralph was a member of the Middleburgh Volunteer Fire Dept for many years and was in charge of organizing their Square Dances.  He also joined the Middleburgh Rotary Club, giving back to his community in time and service. Ralph loved visiting with people and was the best raffle ticket salesman Rotary ever had. 
 
Cherishing his love and memory forever are his daughters: Gwenn (Bill) Albrecht of Howes Cave and Laurie Abdullah of Worcester, MA; sons: Kevin Wood of Middleburgh and Ralph (Cindy) T. Wood, Jr of Schoharie; 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; his brothers: Wendell (Mary) Wood of Schoharie and Fred (Linda) Wood of Howes Cave; many nieces and nephews and special friends: Larry, Debbie and Katie Sherman of Middleburgh.
 
All are invited to visit and celebrate his life with his family on Ralph’s birthday, Wednesday, August 5, 2020 from 10AM-12PM at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC 134 River St. Middleburgh. Facial protection and distancing are requested to be respected by all.  A private memorial service will be held for Ralph’s family and inurnment will take place in Lutheran Cemetery, Schoharie.
 
Ralph’s family requests that donations in his honor be made to the Middleburgh Rotary Club, PO Box 1100, Middleburgh, NY 12122 or to the Middleburgh Volunteer Fire Dept., PO Box 778, Middleburgh, NY 12122
 

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