Birth date: Jul 12, 1929 Death date: Oct 12, 2018
Ralph Charles Reeder passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on October 12, 2018 at the University of Maryland Medical Center – Shock Trauma at the age of 89 with his family at his side. Ralph is survived by his wife, Margene V. Read Obituary
Hello. My condolences on the passing of Mr. Reeder. I'd love to share a wonderful story regarding Ralph. My mother, Mickey Brannan, attended Hastings College and was a year behind Ralph. She went to Europe one summer during college (to do a service project with the Daughters of Job I believe) and decided to visit Paris with a few friends. She called Ralph, who she knew from college, and asked him to show them around. Ralph grabbed an army friend from St. Louis named Larry Leahy and they did some sightseeing. That was that. Then two years later, my Mom moved to St. Louis for grad school but she didn't know a soul except that one friend of Ralph's from the Army, so she called my Dad and they were married a year later! My parents had a beautiful marriage with five children and 17 grandchildren. Anyway, I think it's wonderful that your Ralph played a role is all of this and so I wanted to share. God bless you and your family. Joe Leahy, St Louis, Missouri [email protected]
Ralph was an outstanding leader and mentor at NOAA. We shared lunch with the gang at Manny's in Rockville almost daily. It was a great fellowship. Ralph touched so many lives in such a positive way. Although miles and decades separate those times shared with such great people, the memory of Ralph's laughter has never faded. He was truly one of the good guys.
Dear Margene: I was so saddened to hear of Ralph's passing, and I want to extend my deepest sympathy for your loss. Ralph touched so many lives, and I am particularly grateful for his leadership and wisdom and for the camaraderie he nurtured among those of us who worked with him at NOAA. I have especially warm memories of your visit to Albuquerque, along with the Havenners and the Nobles. I wish it had not been so long since I was able to visit with you at the alumni gatherings. I'm sure those get-togethers will never be quite the same without Ralph's cheerful presence..
With best wishes for you and your family, Carolyn Acree
