Obituary for Ralph Walter Fickes
Ralph Walter Fickes, age 89 of Camp Hill, PA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, January 25th due to complications of COVID-19.
Ralph was born December 22, 1931 in Altoona, PA. While attending Altoona High School, he met the love of his life, Shirley, who he married just two years after his 1950 graduation. After serving two years in the US Army in the 28 Division Quartermaster Co., Ralph moved with Shirley to Camp Hill to raise their family. Ralph was a dedicated father, involved in scouting and softball and was the commissioner of Little League Baseball in Camp Hill. Ralph was known by all as “Mr. Fix-It” because he could fix or build anything. He was a devout Catholic and was an active member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
Ralph, affectionately known as Buddy, is survived by his wife of 69 years Shirley (Miller) Fickes, who was by his side to the very end; daughter Connie and her husband, Gary Fritz of Middletown, PA; son Pete and his wife, Dot Fickes of Mechanicsburg, PA; son Danny and his wife, Kaja Fickes of Hingham, MA; and sister-in-law Darlene and her husband Phil Ringley of Tool, TX. He also leaves four grandchildren, Elise and Kristi Fickes, Danielle Magnelli and Jen Payne; three great-grandchildren, Anna and Alex Magnelli and Jude O’Leary; and many heartbroken nieces and nephews. Ralph was predeceased by his firstborn son, David (age 5).
Ralph’s great loves in life were his family, camping, Myrtle Beach, any beach, sports, music, Christmas, and attending Boston Pops concerts with family at Symphony Hall.
He will ALWAYS be in our hearts and celebrated in our lives. Due to the pandemic, funeral services will be held privately. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery on Derry Street in Harrisburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Memorial Fund, 3435 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
Ralph was born December 22, 1931 in Altoona, PA. While attending Altoona High School, he met the love of his life, Shirley, who he married just two years after his 1950 graduation. After serving two years in the US Army in the 28 Division Quartermaster Co., Ralph moved with Shirley to Camp Hill to raise their family. Ralph was a dedicated father, involved in scouting and softball and was the commissioner of Little League Baseball in Camp Hill. Ralph was known by all as “Mr. Fix-It” because he could fix or build anything. He was a devout Catholic and was an active member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
Ralph, affectionately known as Buddy, is survived by his wife of 69 years Shirley (Miller) Fickes, who was by his side to the very end; daughter Connie and her husband, Gary Fritz of Middletown, PA; son Pete and his wife, Dot Fickes of Mechanicsburg, PA; son Danny and his wife, Kaja Fickes of Hingham, MA; and sister-in-law Darlene and her husband Phil Ringley of Tool, TX. He also leaves four grandchildren, Elise and Kristi Fickes, Danielle Magnelli and Jen Payne; three great-grandchildren, Anna and Alex Magnelli and Jude O’Leary; and many heartbroken nieces and nephews. Ralph was predeceased by his firstborn son, David (age 5).
Ralph’s great loves in life were his family, camping, Myrtle Beach, any beach, sports, music, Christmas, and attending Boston Pops concerts with family at Symphony Hall.
He will ALWAYS be in our hearts and celebrated in our lives. Due to the pandemic, funeral services will be held privately. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery on Derry Street in Harrisburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Good Shepherd Memorial Fund, 3435 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.