Ralph N. Pearce, 72, of 158 Williams Street, Bradford, passed away Monday, April 15, 2024, at Bradford Ecumenical Home. He lives in victory with his Savior Jesus Christ.
Born November 10, 1951, in Bradford Hospital, he was a son of the late Ralph A. and Mary (Norton) Pearce.
Ralph was a 1969 graduate of Bradford Area High School. After graduating he started working as a stock handler at Zippo Manufacturing.
He was drafted into the United States Army 1971, a week later he enlisted into the Army to improve his opportunities for future advancement. He earned certifications in Ground Surveillance Radar Diploma at Fort Huachuca AZ in 1971 and was stationed in Troop C Third Squadron of the 8th US Cavalry at the Coleman Barracks in Sandhofen District of Mannheim Germany. There he earned his certificate of Achievement in Completion of Unit/Organizational Supply Procedures in 1972 and Basic Leadership Course. He completed his Ground Surveillance Radar School in 1972. Ralph patrolled the East West German border and drove armored personnel carriers during the Cold War. He was awarded the Sharpshooter M16 Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1974. While in the service in Germany he played on the Army soccer team to promote better German American relations.
On June 2,1973, in the First Presbyterian Church, he married Susan C. (Rhoades) Pearce who survives.
After being honorably discharged, Ralph pursued his interest in the outdoors. He attended the Mont Alto Campus of Penn State University for Forestry. He later worked at Montgomery Ward in Hagerstown MD, before returning to Bradford in 1978.
Ralph worked at Zippo Manufacturing Company from 1978 to 2015, retiring as the Fuel Plant Supervisor.
He enjoyed long walks around Bradford, woodcarving, reading, hunting, eclectic music, gardening and tending to his vegetables and flowers, exercising at Upbeat. His lifetime joy was fishing on Sunlit Bay on Lake Nipissing in Ontario CA. He held numerous records for the largest Pike in 1974, largest Muskie in 1986 and again largest Pike in 2009.
Surviving in addition to his wife Susan of 50 years, are two sisters, Sally Ann (Lou) Labino, of Rural Vally, and Mary Sue Pearce, of Bradford, one brother, William Arthur (Cathy) Pearce, of Bradford, one sister-in-law, Virginia Pearce of Distant, one brother-in-law, John Brenton (Lynn) Rhoades, of Amherst OH, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Amanda Susan Pearce, who died November 1, 2000, and one brother, David Lynn Pearce.
Family will receive friends on Friday April 19, 2024, from 11:00 am to Noon in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue, followed by services at Noon with Rev. Jay Tennies, Pastor of the Evans Memorial United Methodist Church officiating, followed by Full Military Honors by members of the United States Army, and the Honor Guard from the American Legion Post 108 of Bradford. in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com