Ralph Y. Clair

Ralph Y. Clair, 81, passed away and went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 4, 2023. He was a resident of Garden Spot Village in New Holland, PA.

Born in Brooklyn on September 15, 1941 and raised in New Hyde Park, NY, he was the son of the late William Irvin and Alice (Yeaton) Clair. Ralph proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966.

He was the loving husband of Pamela L. (Benson) Clair with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. They settled and raised their two children in Branchville, NJ. During that time, Ralph was a member of Lafayette Federated Church where he served as an elder and a Boy’s Brigade Leader.

Ralph worked for Thomas’ and Frito Lay before joining Hewlett Packard as a purchasing coordinator. He was employed there for 25 years and retired in 1999. While in Delaware, he volunteered at Dupont Childrens Hospital. In 2017 he and Pam moved to Garden Spot Village where he enjoyed volunteering at the visitor’s desk.

Ralph loved being outdoors. When his children were young, he often took them exploring rural New Jersey in his Willys Jeep; and driving back roads in his pickup. After he moved to Garden Spot Village, scootering outside became a favorite activity. He enjoyed listening to old time country music and classic hymns and was a dedicated sports fan. He loved to laugh and have fun with his grandchildren. Ralph’s generous spirit extended to both friends and strangers, to whom he always offered a warm greeting and big smile.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Pam, his children; Timothy R. Clair (wife Heather A. Keafer) of Philadelphia and Kimberly C. (husband Daniel R. Steinfield) of Newtown Square, grandchildren; Ivy and Sage Clair and Andrew and Kyle Steinfield; as well as two sisters; Nancy Bauman of Colorado Springs, CO and Lois Knowlton (husband Kevin Knowlton) of Lakeland, FL and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by two brothers; William Clair and Donald Clair.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 S Kinzer Avenue, New Holland PA 17557 with Chaplain Chet Yoder officiating. A visitation will be held for one hour prior to the time of service. Ralph will be laid to rest in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Ralph to Mercy Ships or Samaritan’s Purse International Relief.