Obituary of Ralph L. Eldridge

NORTH HORNELL: Ralph L. Eldridge, 71, formerly of West Cameron, passed away Tuesday evening May 10, 2022 at his home, following an extended illness. Ralph was born December 17, 1950 in Corning to the late Floyd and Barbara (Drehmer) Eldridge. He was also predeceased by a brother Perry Eldridge. He was a self-employed contractor throughout the Canisteo Valley for several years, and prior to being self-employed, he worked for Erie-Lackawanna and Conrail Railroad for 10 years from 1972-82. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp serving our country proudly from 1967-70. He was a member of the National American Legion and VFW, a member of the Bucksettlement Baptist Church and was a Red Cross volunteer during the 1972 area flood. Ralph was a professional Boy Scouter and was instrumental in reorganizing the Thunderbird District to what is now the Five Rivers Boy Scout council. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish and was a NYS master hunting education instructor for 20 years. Among other interests he enjoyed NASCAR racing and was a volunteer fireman for several years in the town of Cameron. Ralph is survived by a son Michael Eldridge (Stacy Corbitt) of Canisteo, a daughter Laurie Eldridge (Kevin Drake) of Cameron, his grandchildren Katelyn Eldridge, Michael Eldridge (Chelsea Bridges) and Matthew Eldridge (Keisha Buck). His former wife and friend Arlene Eldridge, his siblings, Stanley (Sharon) Eldridge, Jan Crane, Carol (Kenneth) Allen, Ethel Brown, James (Patricia) Eldridge, Francis Eldridge, Bonnie Padgett, Eva Cotton, Floyd (Suzie) Eldridge and Keith Eldridge. He is also survived by 4 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 1-3 pm Sunday May 15th, at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo where a funeral service will take place immediately following calling hours at 3:00 pm. Burial with military honors will take place in Bath National Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Ralph’s name may be made to the Bucksettlement Baptist Church, 5349 Buck Settlement Rd. Bath, NY 14810.