Ralph J. Thompson, 86, of Shippensburg, and formerly of Chambersburg, passed away on the evening of Friday, January 3, 2025, at Menno Haven in Chambersburg.
He was born on June 26, 1938, in Shippensburg, the son of the late Thomas G. and Mary A. (Beckenbaugh) Thompson.
Ralph married Nancy Cressler on July 21, 1963.
Early in life, Ralph worked for many years at the former American Can in Chambersburg. He later began working at Shippensburg University as a heavy equipment operator, a position he held for over twenty-five years before retiring in 1995.
Ralph was deeply involved in Shippensburg Youth Athletics in numerous capacities. With the Shippensburg Area Little League, he served as an umpire, treasurer, fundraising chair, and a coach for both minor and major league boys’ teams.
Together with his wife Nancy, the pair coached the senior division girls softball team that won World Series Championship in 1981, which was held in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Similarly, with the Shippensburg Midget Football League, Ralph was a co-founder, original coach, league treasurer, and fundraising chair. He also served as the league equipment manager and stored the equipment in his garage for many years until a suitable storage location was found.
Ralph was a coach for Shippensburg Legion Baseball, for which he was inducted into the Legion Sports Hall of Fame. Additionally, Ralph was the assistant coach for the Shippensburg University girls’ softball team alongside long time friend Bobby Davis. The pair reunited to coach the Shippensburg Area Senior High School (S.A.S.H.S.) girls’ softball team.
Ralph was active in several civic and community organizations, including Cumberland Valley Lodge #315 F. & A.M., the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the Knotty Ash Hunting Camp. He was also a member and past president of the C.V. Hose Co. #2, the Hub City Club, and Memorial Lutheran Church, where he served as a trustee and coached the church’s softball team. Ralph also coached Shippensburg Midget Basketball and was known for his extensive collection of business cards.
In addition to his wife of sixty-one years, Nancy, Ralph is survived by two sons: Michael S. Thompson of Shippensburg and Geoffrey D. Thompson and wife Anne of Colmar; five grandchildren: Timothy S. Thompson of Harrisburg, Andrew J. Thompson of Colmar, Stephanie A. Thompson of Walnutport, Jessica A. Thompson of Colmar, and Kristin R. Thompson of Shippensburg; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by four siblings: James S. Thompson, W. Saddler Thompson, Norma J. Thompson, and Mary A. Stouffer.
His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Memorial Lutheran Church in Shippensburg, with the Rev. Godfred Effisah officiating.
Interment will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service on Friday morning at the church.
Memorial contributions in Ralph’s honor may be made to Memorial Lutheran Church, 34 E Orange St, Shippensburg, PA 17257, or Shippensburg Area Little League, P.O. Box 461, Shippensburg, PA 17257.
The Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home’s website.
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