SEASTROM, Ralph S. Of Woburn, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021 at age 86. Son of the late Beatrice (Muse) and Sigurd A. Seastrom. Brother to Linda, Paul and the late Robert. He was happily married to Dr. Rosemary Torpey, who was a devoted caretaker in recent years after Ralph was diagnosed with ALS. Ralph is also survived by his son, Mark Seastrom and wife Marilyn of Capitol Hill, DC, his stepdaughter Megan Price and her husband Steven of Dunstable, MA, and his stepson Sean Torpey and his wife Dana of Somerville, MA. Ralph was a devoted “Grampi” to Canyon Price and Stella and Phineas Torpey.

Ralph grew up in Dorchester, where he had some notoriety singing on local radio. Perhaps the biggest influence on young Ralph was his Aunt Polly. She was a great believer in the liberal arts and engendered the same in Ralph, starting with a gift of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. That work sparked an appreciation of language, poetry and prose that he nurtured throughout his life.

Ralph enlisted in the Air Force at age 19, and during the 1950’s, served with air traffic control teams at a number of crisis locations in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Those experiences also profoundly shaped him, teaching him some harsh lessons about the real world, but also exposing him to different cultures he came to appreciate. He retired honorably as a Master Sergeant after 20 years of service. Ralph continued his government service with both the US Department of Justice and the US Department of Education until his retirement in 2000.
Throughout his life, Ralph explored his love of music, especially piano and vocals. He became quite accomplished in singing with choirs and even private performances at events in eastern Massachusetts.

After his retirement, Ralph continued his passion for history by earning a Master’s degree in history from the University of Massachusetts, as well as becoming a Docent at the Massachusetts Historical Society. Ralph had a interest in the unique holdings of the Massachusetts Historical Society; in particular, the daily journals of George R. Nutter. This gentleman often introduced selections of Latin, Greek, French and other languages into his writings, which had befuddled other researchers, but succumbed to Ralph’s knowledge and effort. Besides continued access to the MHS prized collections, Ralph truly came to cherish the opportunity to share his knowledge with MHS visitors.

Additionally, Ralph enjoyed his retirement by traveling with his wife Rosemary. They frequented the Maine coast, where Ralph would eat lobster for dinner as frequently as possible.
After many years of satisfaction, physical limitations associated with ALS changed his retirement plans. Although his health continued to challenge him, Ralph still took joy in his continued love affair with his wife Rosemary and their shared involvement in the lives of their grandchildren, Canyon, Stella, and Phineas. Ralph enjoyed spending time with them and teaching them songs in French.

Donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to the Massachusetts Historical Society at Give to the MHS Fund | Massachusetts Historical Society (masshist.org)