Ralph Sam Bove

RALPH SAM BOVE (Big Ralph), 92, Orlando, died Wednesday, February 10, 2016. Ralph was a retired engineer. Born in Newark, N.J., he moved his family to Orlando in 1964. He worked on missile defense programs at Martin-Marietta and later became a contract specialist for AT&T. A decorated Navy veteran, he served in World War II and Korea. He was involved in the Normandy Invasion and earned two Purple Hearts. He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Italian-American War Veterans Club and local VFW. He is predeceased by first wife Vera (d. 1999), eldest son Stephen (d. 2010) and second wife Margaret (d. 2013). Survivors include: brother Frank, Little Egg Harbor, N.J.; daughter Ellie Mayfield (Jim), Grovetown, GA; son Ralph, Jr. (Karen), DeBary, FL; daughter-in-law Marla Smith, Altamonte Springs, FL; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home located at 301 NE Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL. A celebration of life will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Italian-American Social Club located at 5900 Hibiscus Road, Orlando, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Comforter, Altamonte Springs, FL, in the name of Ralph Sam Bove.