Ralph A. Luoma

He was born on December 30, 1937 in Fitchburg, MA, the son of Arvo and Aune Luoma. Following graduation from Fitchburg High School in 1955, Ralph attended Barrington College and The King’s College. He went to work summers at Word of Life Camp in Pottersville, NY, where he would meet the true love of his life, Helene Stillwell. They were married in Brooklyn, NY, on March 21, 1959, and were together until her death on August 21, 1994.

Ralph and Helene started their family in Brooklyn, but later moved upstate to East Worcester in 1964, and he has lived in Otsego County ever since. After moving upstate, Ralph soon entered the New York State Police Academy, and he served as a State Trooper from 1966 until his retirement in 1986. After some time in retirement, his heart for service led him to begin a second career at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, where he worked for 15 years until he retired a second time.

Ralph was known for his faith, generosity, and his love for God and people, which made him someone who could always be counted on to lend a helping hand and a kind word of wisdom and encouragement whenever he saw the opportunity.

He is survived by his children; three sons and daughters-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne and Hien Luoma of Oak Point, TX, Mr. and Mrs. Steven and Dawn Luoma of Seffner, FL, Mr. and Mrs. Kristen and Manuela Luoma of Ludowici, GA; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mrs. Andrea and Mr. Rich Durost of Pewaukee, WI, and Mrs. Naomi and Mr. Rob Plyter of Syracuse, NY; two sisters, Mrs. Donna Santerre of Manassas, VA, and Mrs. Sonja Simpson of Huntsville, AL; thirteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 17 at Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820, with the Rev. Kaler Carpenter of River Street Baptist Church, where Ralph was a member, officiating. The service will be followed by burial at the Milford Center Cemetery in Milford Center.

Friends may call at the Bookhout Funeral Home from 5 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, where the family will be in attendance.

For those led to make a donation in Ralph’s memory in lieu of flowers, the family requests they be made to either of Ralph’s two favorite ministries that he faithfully supported, Word of Life, wol.org, or River Street Baptist Church, 133 River Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Online condolences may be made at www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.