Ralph S. Graff

Ralph Sylvester Graff, age 94, of Hockessin, Delaware passed away on May 25, 2018 at Heartland Hospice in Wilmington, Delaware.

Ralph as born in 1923 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to the late Sylvester and Viola (nee McGuire) Graff. In 1941, he graduated from Johnstown High School as valedictorian. In 1947, he obtained his bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering. His study was interrupted by a 1943 World War II enlistment and 15 months active duty service in the United States Army, 6^th Signal Corps, in the Philippines. As a proud University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Alumni, he created the Ralph S. Graff Legacy Fund in the Engineering Technology Division at the University. During his time at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown, he was a member of the Pitt Band, member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and inducted into the Sigma Tau engineering honor society and served as their president. Ralph was retired from DuPont, he held leadership roles in over 17 technical societies and organizations. Most notable was his dedication to the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society for over 70 years.

In addition to his parents, Ralph is preceded in death by his wife of 37 years Ann Catherine, brother Joseph and wife Irene, brother George and wife Eleanor, brother Leo, niece Susan and partner Evelyn Gebhart. He is survived by brother Herman; sister-in-law Laura; nephews Frederick, Michael, Bill, Donald, and Allan; nieces Patricia Hartsell, Debra Taylor, Diane Sherman, Karen Emard and many great nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2018 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church,7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 11:00 AM followed by the interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Ashland, DE.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Ralph S. Graff Foundation, Rubber Division American Chemical Society, c/o Edward Miller, P.O. Box 499, Akron, OH 44309-0499.