Ralph S. Eccleston

PRESTON—Ralph S. Eccleston, 73, died on February 5, 2014 at Hartford Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was born in Norwich on November 8, 1940 to the late Oscar and Isabelle (Webster) Eccleston. He grew up in Preston and attended Preston schools and the Norwich Free Academy. Ralph worked at UNC Naval Products for many years. He then worked as a deputy sheriff for the New London County Sheriff’s Department. Ralph was most recently employed at the Preston Transfer Station where he was able to help others and connect with his fellow Preston residents which he loved. He spent many years as a dedicated town employee until he retired in September 2013. Ralph was also a lifetime member of the Preston City Fire Department.

Ralph was an avid yard sale enthusiast, elaborate storyteller, skilled woodworker, wheeler and dealer, collector of everything, lover of antiques and perpetual garage cleaner. He always maintained a mischievous spirit, making his own rules and loved proving people wrong. He was thoughtful, generous and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Ralph enjoyed spending time at the transfer station, playing cards with friends and being with his family. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him and his loss will be felt by the Preston community.

Ralph is survived by his longtime companion, Peggy Hogan; daughter Gale Ennis and husband Ken of Preston; daughter Judy Eccleston of Preston; granddaughters Katie Walton and Chelsea Ennis of Preston; granddaughter Mallarie Ennis and Matt Seidel of Groton; siblings Catherine Balczun of Preston; Margie Bonville of Norwich; Norman Eccleston Sr. of Preston; and Phyllis Faille of Preston. He is predeceased by siblings Harold Eccleston, Oscar Eccleston, Jr., Dorothy Greiner, Joan Moran and Robert Eccleston. Ralph is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, a large extended family as well as countless friends.

Calling hours will be held on Monday from 5pm-8pm at Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:30am at St. James Episcopal Church, 95 Route 2A, Preston. Burial will immediately follow across the street at Poquetanuck Cemetery followed by a reception at the Poquetanuck fire house behind the church. The family is requesting casual dress for Tuesday’s service in honor of Ralph’s carefree, easy-going spirit.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Preston Senior Center, C/O Fran Minor, 389 Route 2, Preston or the Preston City Congregational Church Food Pantry, 321 Route 164, Preston.

To leave a condolence or sign the online guest book, please visit www.churchandallen.com. Church and Allen Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.