Obituary of Ralph F. Smaldon

Ralph F. Smaldon Ralph F. Smaldon, 80, of Rome, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. He was born in Rome, NY, on July 19, 1933 a son of the late James and Mary Tardguno Smaldon. Ralph was educated in Rome Schools and graduated from Rome Free Academy Class of 1952. He was the first quarterback to play in the new RFA stadium. Ralph served with the United States Army during the Korean War. On September 17, 1955, he married Jeanette B. Palinski in Transfiguration Church. She passed away, December 12, 2006. Mr. Smaldon retired from Griffiss Air Force Base as Branch Chief of Data Automation. Ralph continued working as a federal contractor for many federal contracting companies until 2008. He was a member of Transfiguration Church, American Legion Smith Post # 24, was an avid deer hunter and a strong advocate for the American Heart Association and St. Jude's Children's Fund. Ralph was a former member of American Legion Meeker-O'Rourke Post # 1309, Rome Polish Home, and The Holy Name Society of Transfiguation Church. As a life member of Rome Elks Lodge for 49 years, Mr. Smaldon was past District Deputy, Grand Exalted Ruler, Past Exalted Ruler, previously served as New York State Elks Association Chairman for Business Practices. He also served as chairman on various steering committees. Ralph was a Ritual Coach, Ritual Judge, a member of the Francis Bellamy Gravesite Restoration Committee, awarded the Elk of the Year and Mr. Elk Award. He was influential in legalizing and starting the well-known game of chance, The Queen of Hearts Raffle and was a contributor to the Elk's National Foundation. Ralph was a Director of the NYS Conference of Private Organizations (CONPOR). Surviving are two sons and a daughter-in-law, Mark and Lori Smaldon, Lee Center, Jeffery Smaldon and his fiancée Jennifer Mumpton, both of Rome, two daughters and a son-in-law, Beth and Kyle Mumpton, Liverpool, Jill Boncella, Rome, nine grandchildren; Alicia and her husband Kevin Francis, Liverpool, Adam and his wife Jodi Smaldon, Holly Smaldon, Lee Center, Caitlyn Solomon, Ogden, UT, Lauren Boncella, Rome, Samantha Smaldon, Lee Center, Stephanie Mumpton and Julia Mumpton, both of Liverpool and Allison Smaldon, Rome; two great grandchildren Carter Francis, Liverpool and Emma Rose Smaldon, Rome. Also surviving are a brother, Anthony "Curly" Smaldon, Rome and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Jeanette, a sister and brother-in-law, Maryrose and Romeo Pouliot, five brothers and four sisters-in-law, Edward and Elizabeth Smaldon, Frank and Catherine Smaldon, infant James Smaldon, Cpl. James Smaldon III, Michael and Mary "Dolly" Smaldon, and Jacqueline Smaldon. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Transfiguration Church for a Mass of Christian Burial, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W. Court St., on Monday, June 30, 2014 from 4-7 p.m. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 120 Lomond Ct., Utica, NY, 13502. To offer online condolences please visit, www.njbushfuneralhome.com