GLOUCESTER: Ralph W. Hanibal, 73, died Christmas morning, December 25, 2011 at his home. He was the husband of Joana (Lemos) Hanibal.
Born in Gloucester on March 18, 1938, he was the son of the late Walter and Carrie M. (Thompson) Hanibal.
He was employed as a fork-lift driver for over thirty years at Gorton’s of Gloucester and was an auxiliary police officer in Gloucester for many years. Ralph was also a former president of the Seafood Workers Union Local #15 and a member of the former Wingaersheek Tribe #12 Improved Order of Red Men.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by son, Ralph W. Hanibal, Jr.; two granddaughters, Barbara Hanibal and Rebecca Hanibal; many great-grandchildren; two stepsons, Gabriel DaSilva and Eddie, husband of Valerie DaSilva; five stepdaughters, Dotty, Debbie, Ronda, Regina and Donna Snow and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by two sisters and a brother-in-law, F. May Russo and Marion L. and Weymouth Day and a brother, Walter Hanibal, Jr.
His funeral service will be held on Wednesday December 28th at 11 a.m. in the First Baptist Church, 38 Gloucester Avenue, Gloucester. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 5 to 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Interment will be held in the Beechbrook Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Cape Ann Animal Aid, 265 Main Street, Gloucester.