Ralph Kelly meets with Kay Best to record oral history at the Doctor's Inn, 10/25/06 
Ralph Kelly,left, Saranac Lake High School Canaras 1930 Yearbook
Born: 1911
Died: May 23, 2008
Married: Marion J. Hidorn Kelly
Children: none
Ralph Clarence Kelly was born in Saranac Lake. His father, Elmer, worked as caretaker at the Moir Camp on Lake Colby. His mother, Mary McHugh Kelly grew up at Peck's Corners and worked for the Moirs as a cook periodically. Ralph was the brother of the late Eunice Kelly Hames of Saranac Lake. Ralph graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1930. He graduated from Siena College and Albany Business College.
Ralph was a enlisted in the U.S. Army in World War II and served in England and in the European Theater. He came back to Saranac Lake and worked for the Moirs. Ralph also worked in food service at the Trudeau Sanatorium.
Ralph's great uncle, Ell Kelly worked as groundskeeper at the Trudeau Sanitorium for forty years. Under his direction, sidewalks, roads, and the water supply was installed. Ell lived in Little Red until his death on December 22, 1926.
Ralph's great grandfather bought land at Pecks Corners. As the family grew, parcels were divided.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, May 26, 2008
Ralph C. Kelly
EAST GREENBUSH -Ralph C. Kelly, of East Greenbush, entered into eternal rest on Friday May 23,2008 at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany.
Ralph was born and raised in Saranac Lake. He was the son of Elmer Kelly and Mary (McHugh) Kelly and the brother of the late Eunice (Kelly) James of Saranac Lake.
Ralph was a graduate of Saranac Lake High School, Class of 1930, Siena College and Albany Business College.
Ralph enlisted in the United States Army in World War II and served in England and in the European Theater. He enjoyed relating the story of his being stationed in Transylvania the day the war in Europe ended. His unit was promptly returned to the USA, and he and his buddies were all honorably discharged.
Ralph was employed in the New York State Social Services and Human Resources departments for more than 40 years. His retirement proved to be almost as active as his previous work schedule. Ralph assisted low-income workers with their tax preparations and helped put in food distribution centers. For several years he starred in the productions of The Yankee Doodle Entertainers.
Ralph's greatest delight each spring and summer was to prepare and nurture his flower gardens and varied vegetable patches. A highlight of his post-retirement years was the daily visit for lunch with his beloved Marion and their many friends: the "regulars" and the owners and staff of the East Greenbush Diner.
Ralph was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Marion J. (Hidorn) Kelly.
He is survived by nieces Irene Darling of Deltona, Fla., Eunice Coolon of Saranac Lake and Josephine Johnson of Orange City, Fla; nephews Bruce Bruder of Darlington, Md. and Gary Bruder of San Jose, Calif.; and a grand-niece Mary Beth Ryfun of Pittsburgh, Pa. He also leaves his close friends, Paul and Louise Davenport of West Hartford, Conn., Mrs. Dollie Davenport of Scotia, and his indispensable helper Marilyn Riganti, in addition to his numerous personal friends and his faithful neighbors of long standing.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. There will be two funeral services Wednesday morning: at 8:30 at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer, and at 9:30 at Church of the Holy Spirit, Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered. Entombment will be St. Agnes Cemetery Mausoleum, Menands.
Contributions may be made to-The Church of the Holy Spirit, 667A Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, 12061, or Covenant House, attn: Sister Patricia A. Cruise SC, Times Square Station, P.O. Box 731, New York, N.Y. 10108-0900.
