Ralph W Eldred

Rotterdam - Ralph W. Eldred, 81, of Rotterdam, formerly of Prospect St. in Schenectady, went home peacefully on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Ralph lived his entire life in Schenectady. He served in the United States Army in the 111th Light weapon Infantry and was honorably discharged in 1961. He was employed as a chef with the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Department for many years. Ralph was a beloved member of Trinity Baptist Church in Niskayuna where he helped serve up many church meals over the years as well as volunteering at the food pantry. He enjoyed entertaining as a clown and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Order of Merlin Excalibur, the World Clown Association and was a past scoutmaster with the Boys Club of America. Ralph was predeceased by his wife, Marlene Flynn Eldred, who died in 2006 and his parents, Thomas and Effie Fuller Eldred and his brother, Thomas Eldred Jr. He is survived by his children, Doris “Katie” Garcia (Mark) of Oregon, Terri Overton (Jesse) of North Carolina, Heidi Eldred of Rotterdam and Kelly Johnson (William) of Rotterdam, his sister Sylvia Robison, 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. A Memorial service,with military honors, will be held on Thursday, 5 pm at Trinity Baptist Church, 2365 Balltown Rd. in Niskayuna. Ralph’s family requests any memorial donations be made to The Ronald McDonald House, 139 S. Lake Ave. Albany, NY, 12208.