Ralph Crompton, an icon of the dairy industry.
Ralph Crompton, 89, of North Andover, died April 21st at home surrounded by his loved ones.
Mr. Crompton founded Crompton Sales Inc. of Methuen, MA with his late wife Irene (Kew) over 40 years ago. As a salesman and supplier to the food and dairy industry, Mr. Crompton sold the first homogenizer for the processing of milk in the US. He introduced New England to Minute Maid orange juice and he promoted the extensive use of the tear and snap off cap extensively used on milk bottles today. His life-long career in the dairy industry included sales and marketing positions with Borden's Ice Cream and Manton-Gaulin Mfg. prior to founding his own manufacturer's rep firm. Mr. Crompton's business has expanded into the food and water business with 13 employees. He built a successful and well-respected sales team servicing the Eastern United States and Midwest.
A life long resident of North Andover, Mr. Crompton graduated Johnson High School in 1938. He received his Bachelor's degree from Boston University, and earned his Masters Degree from Northeastern University.
Family members include a son Stephen, and his wife Leslie of Andover; and, daughters, Laurie, of North Andover and Marti (Martha) and her husband Jeff Johnson of North Reading; and four grandchildren, Stephen and Samantha Crompton and Vicky and Greg Johnson. His family extends to include cousins, many of his wife's relatives, as well as the staff, suppliers and customers of Crompton Sales.
Mr. Crompton was a WWII Navy Veteran and a Mason, he sang professionally and was an active member of the Gilbert and Sullivan Theatre Group. Mr. Crompton was an active member of the Episcopal Church beginning in his younger years at Saint Augustine's of South Lawrence, where he met his wife. The past 55 years as a parishioner of Grace Episcopal Church, Lawrence, Mr. Crompton served as Senior Warden and chaired various fund raising events. He is also fondly associated with All Saint's Church, Wolfeboro, NH. Services will be held Monday, April 26th, 10 am, at Grace Episcopal Church, 35 Jackson Street, Lawrence, MA. Calling hours will be at Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, Sunday April 25th from 4 to 8 pm. Burial will be in Ridgewood Cemetery, North Andover. Donations in Ralph's name can be made to Grace Episcopal Church or the Esperanza Academy also at 35 Jackson Street in Lawrence, MA.