Ralph Henry Lyford

RALPH HENRY LYFORD, 85, a life-long resident of Ashland, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at St. Francis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Laconia after a period of failing health. Born in Plymouth, NH, on July 29, 1930, Ralph is the son of Irene (Cote) Lyford and Ralph Colby Lyford, late of Ashland. From 1948 to 1952, Ralph served our country as a corporal in the U.S. Army and spent time stationed in Germany before returning to New Hampshire. Upon returning home to Ashland he married Eleanor Tomacelli originally from Plymouth and built their home on Riverside Drive where they resided until earlier this year. Ralph worked many years as a supervisor for Seward Construction Company and was often referred to as "Pappy" by those he worked with. Ralph loved small town life in New Hampshire and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He served the Town of Ashland as a volunteer fireman, was a member of the American Legion and in his later years delivered mail for the U.S. Postal Service in Sanbornton. Above all else, Ralph loved his family and being around people. He enjoyed visiting and talking with most anyone. He could always be counted on to have the latest news and a good story. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Irene and Colby Lyford, and a sister, Florence Chaisson, of Ashland. Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Eleanor (Tomacelli) Lyford, and his siblings, Norman Lyford, Thelma McCormack, Jeanette Stewart, all of Ashland and Gloria Glidden of Campton. Ralph's greatest legacy is his extensive family including his children, Linda Cass, of Shelter Island, NY; Marcia Lyford, of Dover, NH; Katherine Lyford-Hall and husband, Mark, of Rumney; Ralph C. Lyford and wife, Cathy, of Bridgewater, Jeff Lyford and wife, Debbie, of Ashland, Theresa Gilpatric and husband, Bill, of Bridgewater; Sandra Watson of New Hampton; Nancy Sawyer of Ashland; Daniel Lyford and wife, Julie, of Meredith and Thomas Lyford and wife, Jami, of Holderness; 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the care provided to their father by the VA Hospital in White River Junction, Vermont, the Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth and by the staff at the St. Francis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Laconia.

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Ralph Henry Lyford

July 29, 1930 - September 20, 2015