NEW BEDFORD — Ralph W. Hall, age 87 years, of New Bedford, died Saturday, June 30, 2007, unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the husband of Marjorie E. (Hawes) Hall.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Harry C. and Esther (Emmett) Hall, he was a graduate of New Bedford High School and Bristol Agricultural School. Active as a poultry farmer for many years, he was well know in the area as a bank appraiser for the New Bedford Institution for Savings Bank.
Ralph served in the Army Air Corp during World War II. He was wounded three times and hospitalized and was the recipient of the Purple Heart Award, the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals as a member serving with the 398th Bomb Group.
Well known in New England in the Masonic organizations, Ralph was a member of the Noquochoke and Abraham Howland Masonic Lodges A.F. and A.M., served as past president of the Shrine Club of Southeastern Mass., a member of the Aleppo Temple, the Valley of Scotish Rite S.E. Mass. Chapter, the Rhode Island Shrine. Over the years he was responsible for publicity for the Shrine activities in S.E. Mass. He was also active with the Cortez Allen Chapter O.E.S., the Masonic Veterans Association of R.I., and the 100 Club, and active with the Shrine Club S.E. Mass. Travel Fund for Children. He was the recipient of the Masonic Robert Gardner Wilson Medal for Service Beyond Duty and the Grand Masters Joseph Warren Award for Distinguished Service. Ralph also served in the Mass. State Guard, was a member of the American Legion and the Dartmouth Grange and Fairhaven Salt Water Fishing Club.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his children Steven T. Hall, Janet Dufresne and Eric C. Hall, 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
His funeral will take place on Friday, July 6th at 10:30 a.m. in the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford with visitation Thursday from 4-7 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 6:30 p.m. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made in his name to the Shrine Club of S.E. Mass. Travel Fund for Children, c/o Allen Tabor, President, 141 Maywood St., New Bedford, 02740.