Ralph Edward Ashwell, Jr.

Ralph Edward Ashwell, Jr.

History and Literature Buff -

Ralph Edward Ashwell, Jr., age 88, of Mechanicsburg , died at home and surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, May 9, 2015.  Ralph was born on Wednesday, June 2, 1926 in Sinking Springs, PA to the late Ralph Edward Ashwell, Sr. and Alice Eleanora (Young) Ashwell.  In addition to his parents, Ralph is preceded in death by his brothers, William and Richard Ashwell.

Ralph’s survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Eleanor May (Eley) Ashwell; his sons: Stephen “Steve” Ashwell of Mechanicsburg, Jeffrey “Jeff” Ashwell of Palm Bay, FL; his granddaughter, Shawn O’Brien and her husband, Michael, and their daughters, Kai and Kiera, all of Dillsburg.

Ralph attended William Penn High School as part of the class of 1944.  He left school at age 17 to join the U.S. Marine Corps and serve during World War II .  During the war, Ralph earned his diploma credits and returned home to graduate with the William Penn class of 1946.  He retired from Bell Telephone Company in 1983 after working for many years as a supervising service foreman.  Ralph was a member of the F&AM Masonic Lodge - Perseverance Lodge #21 , Scottish Rite Consistory of Valley Harrisburg , and Tall Cedars of Lebanon .  Ralph was always busy; whether fishing, or sharing his knowledge of history and literature through talks in museums and libraries, or crafting intricate carvings of U.S. soldiers throughout history which can be found in some museums, or reading stories and fueling his fanaticism for Edgar Allan Poe.

Ralph’s family will be remembering his life privately.  Burial in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill will be private and at the family’s convenience.

Ralph’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ralph’s full obituary, view his memorial portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .