Ralph Booth, Jr.

Ralph Booth, Jr., born on November 20, 1930, in Philadelphia, PA to the late Myrtle and Ralph Booth, Sr., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.  He moved to Courtland, NY at the age of 10 where he graduated from high school.  Ralph went on to graduate from The State of New York Maritime College.  He proudly served as a United States Merchant Marine for four years before serving his country in the U.S. Navy for two years as a Chief Engineer Officer.  Following his time in the military, Ralph was a test engineer on several aircraft carriers for Newport News Shipbuilding until his retirement at the age of 63. 

Ralph was a wonderful conversationalist and was knowledgeable on a myriad of topics, with world and military history being among his favorites.  He enjoyed traveling and told many captivating stories of his adventures around the world.  His favorite place was to be near the water, either sailing or enjoying time on the beach with family on the Outer Banks in North Carolina, and loved boogie boarding even into his 90’s.

Ralph’s pride and joy was his family whom he loved with everything he had.  He was married to his wife, Kitty, the love of his life, for 55 years and was a devoted caregiver as her health declined in later years. Their home in Newport News was always one of warmth and hospitality for friends and family alike, and anyone else who was in need of good company and a home-cooked meal.

In his later years, after his wife’s passing, he moved to Blacksburg, Virginia to live with his son, Stephen, where they embarked on many adventures together.  He treasured his time at nearby Smith Mountain Lake spending time with his children and grandchildren, boating on the lake and watching them race by on jetskis. 

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Bill Booth and Blanch Foody.

Ralph is survived by his loving children, Katherine Mogelinski (Tom Hooe) of Arnold, MD, Peggy Roisch (Ernie) of Richmond, VA, Stephen T. Booth of Blacksburg, VA and Bill Booth (Dawn) of Kathleen, GA; grandchildren, Kristin and Gina Mogelinski, Holton and Gray Roisch and Harrison and Lauren Booth; and several nieces and nephews.

Ralph will be laid to rest with a graveside funeral service on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in Fairview Cemetery, Culpeper, VA, please use entry point number 4 to enter Fairview Cemetery.

Donations may be given in memory of Ralph to the Boys Town (Boystown.org/give) or Heart of Georgia Hospice (heartofgahospice.org)

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family.  McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory and Found and Sons Funeral Home, in Culpeper, VA (540) 825-3530 has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.