Ralph Larsen, 80, formerly of Norwich died October 19th, 2009 in Dade City, FL after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Ellen; his former wife and mother of his children, Edith Wilson; his sister, Ada Blanchard and her husband Ralph of Herkimer, NY; and his brother, Linn Larsen and his wife Judy of Prescott Valley, AZ. He is also survived by his children, Eric Larsen and wife Pam of Norwich; Cristi Larsen of Del Norte, CO; Mark Larsen of Norwich; and Curt Larsen and his wife Tina of Del Norte, CO. He had six grandchildren: Carrie Larsen, Lindsey Larsen Miles, Rachel Larsen, Alex Larsen, Jessica Larsen Santos, and Emma Larsen.
Ralph was born on September 15, 1929 in Philadelphia, PA to Bruno and Ellen Miller Larsen. His parents were recent immigrants from Denmark so Ralph and his siblings were the first of the generation born in the United States.
After graduating from high school he served two stints in the Army, once as a volunteer and once when drafted during the Korean War. Always an entrepreneur, after leaving the service he used money he won playing cards to begin a Nash car dealership in Oneonta, NY. He attended Hartwick College, receiving his BA in 1958. Shortly after, he began his professional career as a college professor at Hartwick and obtained a MA in psychology from Columbia University. He moved into college administration at Hartwick before moving to Cazenovia College as Director of Development. During this time he became interested in real estate, first buying homes and eventually beginning his career as a real estate developer. He formed Laral Management with partners, Allen Thayer and Ralph Blanchard, and developed and managed properties in upstate New York. He was well known for his keen business insight and was often consulted by those looking for advice on starting a business.
His greatest joys in life were his family and friends. He loved the arts and was well read. He will be remembered as a kind and generous man with a wonderful sense of humor and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Friends may call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Friday, October 30, 2009 from 4-6 pm. A celebration of life for Ralph will be held after the calling hours at the Bohemian Moon Restaurant and all friends are invited to attend.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Chenango County Council of the Arts or The Place.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Wilson Funeral Home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.
{ 15 } Comments
To the Larsen Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Ralph was a good and generous man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Greg and Roz Grosvenor
Dear Mark & Eric and Pam, Wish we could be there in person to share a hug. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss, and send loving vibes to you and all your family.
John & Lynne
Dear Eric, Pam and Family,
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and wishing that happy memories bring you peace in the coming months.
Kenny, Lisa, Vanessa & Ashley Mirabito
Dear Eric & Pam, Mark, Christi, Curt & Tina
Please know that our best, warmest wishes are with you. Your father was a great man and fine citizen who obviously taught his children well.
Warmly,
Ann Dolan & Jim Van Buskirk
Eric and Family -
My condolences to you and the members of Ralph’s family.
Ralph was one of the brightest, kindest, and astute people I’ve had the privilege of knowing. When he chaired the Development Committee at Hartwick and I was a new member of the Hartwick fundraising staff, he was a wonderful, considerate mentor – for me and for the entire staff.
Norwich, Hartwick and all of us have lost a marvelous friend.
Al Lutz
Dear Larsen family,
I was saddened to hear about your loss. I remember Ralph as a very caring person and he was especially kind to my mother when she lived at the apartments in Sidney. You are in my thoughts land prayers.
Betty Waldron Dixson
To the Larsen family,
So sorry for your loss,our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Renee,Mike,Jade,Blaine
We were shocked and saddened by the news of your Father’s passing. May you find comfort and support from those closest to you. God bless you all during this difficult time.
Robyn & David St. Denny
To the Larsen family, Even in your sadness,we hope you can hold on to the thought that a life lived with so much love never really ends,but goes on forever in the hearts of those who remember. Ralph was a caring,loving,special person. Our condolences to you all.Jackie and John
Dear Eric and family, I was very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have. “Mourn not too long that he is gone,but rejoice forever that he was.”
Dear Larsen Family,
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Ralph was a very kind and generous person. We are grateful and honored to have had the privilege of knowing him. He touched our lives in a very special way, and we will miss him greatly. Ralph will always be with us in our hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Ela and Andy Schliske
To the Larsen family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories of a life well lived. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Long & Drew Squires
To the Larsen Family,
I am sorry for your loss.
Eric, Mark, and family,
Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Larsen, I know that he raised two fine gentlemen in Eric and Mark.
Remember the love you all shared.
You are in my prayers.
Maddy
Mark and Eric:
So sorry to hear about your dad…we just returned home and were reading the papers. You have our sympathies.
Patsy and Bill Smith
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