Ralph Felter
Ralph Elmer Felter- July 23, 1926-December 2, 2020
The community lost a true pillar of strength on Wednesday, December 2nd. Ralph Elmer Felter Jr., 94, was a man who was best described as hard-working, dedicated and someone who persevered through the roughest of times. Whether it was surviving the Great Depression, getting through his young brother’s death or tackling 9 cancers. He was a World War 2 veteran, a skilled carpenter who participated in an apprenticeship program to get a Doctorate of Carpentry. With his carpentry skills he built over 150 houses in the Catskill area. He was born July 23rd, 1926 in Denvervega, New York. While he is predeceased by his loving wife of 53 years, Cora Louise Felter, his parents, Ralph E. Felter Sr. and Luella Angle Felter, his brother, Robert Angle Felter, and many others; he is succeeded by his children, Mary-Lynn Vierling and her husband Art, Ralph E. Felter III, Wendi Ruth Gabbidon and her husband Mike, and Thomas Robert Felter Sr., and his wife Gloria, his grandchildren, Ralph E. Felter IIII, Martin J.Felter, Terrance Gabbidon, Nicole A. Felter, and Thomas R. Felter Jr. and his great-grandchildren Gabriel Constantino Guardone, and Gemma Rose Felter.
One of his greatest joys was watching them succeed. His granddaughter Nicole will never forget how proud her grandfather was of her success in college. His grandsons Ralph & Martin will never forget how proud he was of the life they built. His grandson Thomas will never forget how hard his grandfather made him work in the woodpile. His grandson Terrance will never forget how witty his grandfather was.
Through most of these hardships, he was never alone. His youngest son, Tom R. Felter Sr. was there through it with him all. Helping him cut wood, go to his chemotherapy appointments, and, most importantly, hunting. Hunting was so important to him that he even got permission to be able to hunt right out of his truck window which he did right up until he passed. Thomas stuck by his side and even picked up his temperament, much of which Ralph commented on later on in life and couldn’t seem to understand where Thomas got it from.
The end of his full life was best celebrated by mornings for breakfast at the Crazy River, talking to people about history, senior meals at the church and finally, fishing and hunting. He will be dearly missed in the community, but not in the woods - the deer can finally rest from the skilled hunter.
Graveside committal services for Ralph have been postponed at this time due to the weather-an announcement will be made in the spring