Ralph Everett McEwen, 76, of Ashland NH, previously of Glen NH, died suddenly on Jan 24, 2025 at Spear Memorial Hospital in Plymouth with his loving wife, Diana, by his side.
Born in Arlington MA, he was the only son of H. Pearl Chapman and Ralph Edward Borgatti. After the sudden passing of Mr. Borgatti, his mother married Lorne Charles McEwen, who adopted Ralph and raised him as his own. Despite a difficult childhood, Lorne taught Ralph how to play golf, which Ralph enjoyed the rest of his life. Attempting to join the military to fight in the Vietnam War, Ralph was declined because he was 'the Sole Surviving Son' of two military fathers. Ralph married, and had two children, Chuck and Shelia, whom he adored. He was hired by Dole and Bailey, Inc., a food service delivery company. and was employed by them for 46 years till retirement.
Being dedicated, responsible, and reliable, Ralph overcame many personal challenges over the years. During his tenure delivering for D and B from the Boston market to RI, MA, ME, VT, and NH, he met so many wonderful people. However, he fell in love with the White Mountains of NH. It was there that he was introduced, by the proprietors of Stonehurst Manor, 20 years ago, to his beloved wife Diana McEwen. Ralph caused a stir, as he formally courted, then later married, Diana on a sleigh ride at The Farm by The River on St. Valentine's Day. In their free time, they enjoyed going horseback riding, ballroom dancing and fencing classes together. Ralph loved shooting pool with his friends, son, and grandsons. Also, Spending time swimming at his daughter's pool. He enjoyed the outdoors; fishing, hiking, kayaking and walking his dog Gizmo. It wasn't unusual to find Ralph enjoying a Rock and Roll concert or just swinging in his back yard hammock, trying to sing along to AC/DC, the Rolling Stones or Janis Joplin. But, any time he got to spend with his 12 grandchildren was his greatest joy.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Dianalyn Ignatowski Stonoha McEwen. His mother-in-law, Dolores Helwig Ignatowski. His children, Charles "Chuck" Everett McEwen and family, Shelia McEwen DiBona and family, Ann-Marie Stonoha Chase and family, Melissa Lyn Stonoha Mullen and son, Christopher Paul Stonoha and family, and James Ernest Stonoha and daughter. Predeceased by: Ralph Edward Borgatti, US Naval Reserve, WW2, Lorne Charles McEwen, Retired Army, WW2, H. Pearl Chapman McEwen, and Robert Edward Ignatowski.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1 PM on Monday, February 10th at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 21 Main Street, Hooksett, NH. There will be an hour for visitation held in the church directly prior to the 1 PM mass. Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.
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