Ralph E. Strange, 65
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Ralph Emerson Strange, 65, of 119 Sullivan St. died Tuesday, April 17, 2001, at North Adams Regional Hospital.Born in North Adams on May 14, 1935, son of Florina Couture Strange of Williamstown and the late Earl Strange, he attended Drury High School.
He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War and received the National Defense Service and Good Conduct medals.
Mr. Strange was last employed as a truck driver for Railway Express Co. for 15 years, retiring in 1997. Earlier, he was employed for several years at Brown Packaging Co. and Cascade Supply Co. Following his retirement, he was employed part time as a bus driver for Dufour Tours Inc. of Pittsfield.
He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and was an avid walker. He was a former member of the Masonic Lodge in Stamford, Vt., and was an organ donor.
Besides his mother, he leaves his wife, the former Donna C. Clifford, whom he married Aug. 2, 1975; a son, Scott Strange of North Adams; four daughters, Lori Lype of Glendale, Ariz., Kelly Tatro of North Adams, Melissa Renzi of Lanesborough and Jodi Hudson of Rowley; a brother, Alan Stevens of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; a sister, Patricia Gerry of Pownal, Vt., and eight grandchildren.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Services will be conducted Friday at 10 in AUGE-SAN SOUCIE-SIMMONS FUNERAL HOME, North Adams. The Rev. Daniel J. Nolan, parochial vicar of St. Francis of Assisi, Notre Dame, and Our Lady of Mercy churches in North Adams, will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Southview Cemetery, North Adams. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Thursday from 5 to 8.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Steven Valotta College Fund, to benefit his grandson, through the funeral home, 46 North Church St., North Adams, MA 01247.