Ralph Albert Retallack

Ralph A. Retallack passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2014, at The Hospice Guest Wing in Easton, MD, after suffering with Parkinson’s disease. Born on February 25, 1932, in the family home at Trappe Station, Oxford, MD, he was the son of the late Ralph and Lucille McWilliams Retallack. Ralph graduated from Easton High School in 1949. He first worked for his father’s contracting company, Retallack and Willey, who built several homes in and around Oxford, including rebuilding the Holy Trinity Church after it was destroyed by fire in 1945 and the rebuilding of the Oxford United Methodist Church, utilizing mules to dig the basement. Ralph joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951, serving in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1959. He married the former Patricia May Bryan in 1956. Mr. Retallack attended the American Standard Plumbing School. While employed by the William C. Frey Company, he was charged with installing the water, sewer, and pumping stations in many towns on the Delmarva Peninsula including Smith Island. He later formed an underground utilities company with Rodney V. R. Spring, known as Retallack and Spring, Inc., from which he retired in 1992. Ralph was known as an innovator and continues to be well respected in the field of water and sewer installation. As a lifelong resident of Oxford, the town called on his expertise countless times to solve issues relating to the mechanical workings of the town. He and his heavy equipment were seen day and night cleaning the streets after heavy snow storms. All of this he did voluntarily. He was a member of the vestry of the Holy Trinity Church where Ralph, his son Miles, and Lt. Col. Paul Martin, erected the bell that stands today. He was also a member of BOE 1622. Ralph was a lifetime member of the Oxford Fire Department, serving in many engineering positions throughout his life, including Chief Engineer for many years, receiving countless awards for his service. He was the absolute best mind the Fire Department had when it came to handling complicated engineering issues. Ralph had a special love for antique steam and gas engines. He exhibited his collection routinely at many venues including the Threshermen’s Show at the Tuckahoe Steam & Gas Show. He restored a 1965 ½ Mustang Convertible and a 1924 Model T. Truck, both to their original glory. He took great pride in explaining the details of his restorations to anyone who asked. Ralph had a true talent for all thing mechanical. Mr. Retallack is survived by his son, Ralph Miles Retallack (Joanne); his daughter, Marrie Retallack; four grandchildren, Petty Officer 3rd Class, Patrick Retallack, Spencer Retallack, Amanda Retallack and Carrie Leonard; three siblings, Iris Willis, Joseph Retallack and Lucie Prettyman; several nieces and nephews, his longtime companion, Joy Ervin, and their feline runner, the cat. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his sister, Rose Tristram, and a half-brother, Burton Seymour. Friends may call on Friday, November 7, 2014, from 3-5 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., 200 S. Harrison St., in Easton. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Oxford Vol. Fire Dept., 300 Oxford Rd. Oxford, MD 21654 or Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601.

Ralph Albert Retallack

February 25, 1932 - November 3, 2014