Obituary of Ralph M Farmer

St. Regis Falls- Mr. Ralph M. Farmer, 92, passed away peacefully Thursday September 5, 2013 at his home comforted by the care and support of his family and hospice. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in St. Regis Falls. Ralph was born in St. Regis Falls on October 16, 1920 to the late Arthur and Libby (Collins) Farmer. On March 20, 1944 Ralph entered into the US NAVY. He proudly served his country with dedication and respect; being honorably discharged on February 7, 1951. He was married to Melania Gonzoles on March 17, 1947 in Cleveland, OH. They shared in a devoted union filled with warmth and love until the time of Melania's passing on February 20, 1997. Ralph held a variety of positions, one of which was a maintenance worker for the Town of Waverly. He would oversee all aspects of the job; from masonry work, to carpentry and electrical. And at one time, Ralph was the Code Enforcement Officer for St. Regis Falls. Ralph was a very talented carpenter and cherished woodworking. Throughout his life he built numerous houses, hotels, and mansions in the Adirondack Mountains; he built his own home and the most notable was Lake Placid's Somerset Inn Bar, a popular venue during the 1980 Winter Olympics. He was always keeping busy; building homes while he worked and selling them off, eager to start another project. Ralph took pleasure in reading; Louis L'Amour and Tom Clancy were some of his favorites. He enjoyed the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. Ralph was also a very passionate historian, and for some time was the historian for St. Regis Falls. Affectionately known as "Papa" by his loved ones, Ralph dedicated the majority of his life to his family. Although not a wealthy man, he provided his wife, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a treasure every human seeks; unconditional love, warmth, and compassion. When in the presence of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ralphs eyes would swell with adoration and his arms would open for embrace; always expressing and receiving immense love and affection. He will be greatly missed. Ralph is survived by his grandchildren: Derek R. and Maribel Dwyer of Fl., Gordon P. Winters, Sabrina and John Fraser, Darren Allen and his companion Tracy, and Dejah Allen and her companion Sam, all of St. Regis Falls, 6 great-grandchildren: Mark, Deandra, Sage, Skyelin, Mason, and Sara, son-in-law- Brian Quinn of St. Regis Falls, sister Jean Darrah of Bloomingdale and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Always close to his heart is the memory of his daughter Melita "Jeanie" Quinn who predeceased him on February 4, 2013. Ralph was also predeceased by his siblings, Carlton, Nelma, Evelyn, Ethel, Royal, Alice, and Francis. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 at the funeral home. A Military graveside service will be Tuesday at 10AM at St. Ann's Cemetery in St. Regis Falls. Memorial contributions may be made in Ralph's honor to High Peaks Hospice. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com.