Obituary of Ralph M. Richter

Ralph Max Richter, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, died at Holly Manor Nursing Home in Mendham on Thursday, December 18, 2014 after a short illness. He was 91. Born in Freital Germany on April 17, 1923, Ralph immigrated to the United States in 1925. He resided in Denville, Irvington, and Kenilworth before settling in Whippany for over 56 years. Ralph had very fond memories of growing up in the Indian Lake area of Denville exploring caves, finding arrowheads, and testing the ice to see if it was safe enough to walk across. He was a veteran of World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge, serving from 1943-1945 in the US Army 106th Infantry as a medic. He received nine medals including the Bronze Star. Later in life, Ralph became very active in the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, an organization that meets regularly at Picatinny Arsenal. He spoke at many high schools about his WWII experiences and gave back to those currently serving in the military. He also attended various 106th Infantry reunions throughout the country. Ralph was very proud to have served his country and to be part of this organization where he made many new friends. After the war, he was a diamond setter for Essex Jewelers in Newark NJ for many years. Ralph enjoyed entertaining, especially his annual Fourth of July fireworks picnic, working in the yard, bowling, playing cards, making model airplanes, swimming, the beach, traveling, and attending all his grandchildren's sporting and music events no matter where they were. Ralph always had a positive outlook on life and had a joke for any topic. Ralph was predeceased by his first wife, Audrey (1975), his sister Marga Voegele and his brother Gunther "Gint". He is survived by two sons, Roger and his wife Sharon; John and his wife Lynn; his daughter Susan Chow and her husband Dean; seven grandchildren Ryan Richter, Amy Grilo and her husband Mark, Jenna Richter and her fiancé Doug Spatafore, Keri Richter, Samantha D'Ambola, Jeff D'Ambola and Margaret Chow; one great grandchild, Nina Grilo; and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will celebrate Mr. Richter's life at the funeral home on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private at the request of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in his memory to the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Chapter 54 c/o James Cullen 6 Parkwood Road Succasunna, NJ 07876.