Ralph Willis Wilson

He graduated in 1953 from Westfield Academy and Central School and from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1957 with degrees in Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Ralph was a man who could do anything he set his mind to. Hard work, planning and perseverance were a way of life for him. He worked for many years in the food industry as a project engineer, plant engineer, and director of engineering. He was a licensed Professional Engineer in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, North and South Carolina. During his corporate years, he “moonlighted” on many small engineering jobs for clients that needed a Professional Engineer’s service for personal projects. During the energy crisis of the 1970’s, he provided natural gas for the Red Wing Company where he was Plant Engineer by drilling gas wells on the property. This led to his drilling, producing and owning thirty-five natural gas wells throughout the county. And at the age of 50, he retired from the industrial world forming his own engineering company–Management Task Group–which specialized in design, building facilities and project management. He later formed Ralph W. Wilson Group, a consulting engineering company. Through the years, Ralph held Presidencies of the Westfield Jaycees, Toastmasters, AMICAE (Hot line for rape and battering), and Northern Chautauqua County Professional Engineers. He held the position of Westfield Village Engineer for a number of years.

He was a lifetime member of the Westfield Moose and Westfield Fish and Game Club. Ralph was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church of Westfield where he held offices as Trustee and Elder and, along with Janice, led the Adult Sunday Class for Biblical and current events discussions. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching Sunday School to 7th and 8th graders.

Ralph was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow of Boy Scouts of America. He was an active leader in the Boy Scout program, first as a Den Chief and later as Scout leader and District Councilman. The Boy Scout Oath and Law were a large part of his daily life and philosophy. The United States Constitution and the goals and rules of our government also were a big part of Ralph’s beliefs; you could say that he was an avid proponent for America as set up by our founding fathers. Ralph served in the Armed Services from 1958-1963, as radio man and excellent sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant.

In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed camping, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, hunting, horseback riding, and sailing on the “Hellsbells”, a 28′ Soverell he owned with partner Maynard Isabell. And, of course, he loved hunkerin’ down with his buddies at the Vine City, Julie’s or the Diner. Ralph was generous with both his time and money, working with civic organizations and donating to various charities in our area and throughout the world. Many years ago, he established the Jessie C. Wilson Memorial Trust Fund in memory of his mother. This charitable trust has donated funds to many local and area organizations and entities that exemplify the Christian values of helping and encouraging others. Being with and providing for his family was top priority for Ralph. All through the years, he cared lovingly for his wife Janice, who he married on June 22, 1957; and his children–Kathy, Mark, and David. He introduced them to many fun activities, along with stressing valuable Christian standards for both work and play. Being productive and taking ownership of your actions were key elements to his philosophy that he passed on to all of his family members and friends.

He is survived by his children: Kathy, David (Jodi) of Westfield; Mark (Suzanne) of Rochester, New York. Ten grandchildren: Kristen (Brian) Graham of Seneca, SC; Mindy Monroe; Joshua (Niki) Monroe of Jamestown, NY; Matthew (Ashley) Monroe of West Falls, NY; Gregory (Erin Archer) Wilson of New York City; Kaylee (Zeth) Belt of Madison, Tennessee; Jonathan Wilson of Orchard Park/Westfield, NY; Ericka (Casey) Bok, Jessie (Johnny Mangus) Wilson of Rochester, NY; and Jeremy (Lillian Sealy) Wilson of Huntersville, SC; his niece Leslie Ann McTavish and great-niece Victoria Patchkofsky of Dunkirk, NY; nephews Timothy (Amanda) Wilson of Scottsdale, AZ; Daniel (Jamie) Wilson of Estero, FL; Michael (Sarah) Wilson of Lockport, IL; and his sister-in-law Brenda Wilson. He also is survived by nine great-grandchildren and many great nieces/ nephews throughout the US.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Nancy McTavish and his brother Richard (Dick) Wilson.

Donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to: Jessie C. Wilson Memorial Trust Fund, c/o B & C Tax and Bookkeeping LLC, 61 East Main Street, Westfield, NY 14787 to continue charitable giving in the Westfield area.

Friends may call at the First Presbyterian Church, 49 S. Portage St. Westfield, NY on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 10- 11:30 AM, where a Memorial Service will immediately follow at 11:30 AM.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St. Westfield, NY. Please share online condolences and remembrances at www.masonfuneral.com.