Ralph Carmen Brander, born October 26, 1927, in Newburgh, to Michael and Dorothy (Barley) Brander died peacefully in his sleep on December 28, 2023. He was 96.
Ralph grew up in the Newburgh area, in a family of modest means. He shoveled coal for the Newburg-Beacon ferry and worked with his uncle Louie in the family neon sign business before embarking on a several decades career at IBM. Ralph once remarked that he had installed the original Pete’s Hot Dogs neon sign. His career at IBM took him to a number of countries and states, managing many projects for them.
As a boy of 16, Ralph had shown a deep spiritual interest and began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. At a square dance, he met the love of his life, Jacqueline (Jackie) Harris whom he married and raised 3 children with. Because Ralph continued to recognize his spiritual need, he left IBM at the age of 48 to enter the full-time ministry to share the Good News with others. In1978, Ralph was invited to join the order of special full-time servants at the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Brooklyn, NY. Ralph was able to leverage his many years in computer management to assist in the development and production of a multi-language pre-press system that has contributed significantly to the Watchtower Society’s translation efforts. Ralph left the offices of Watchtower in 2000 to once again pursue the ministry in the field.
Anyone who knew Ralph would say that he was a warm, caring individual who impacted so many different people in a positive way. His easy-going manner, contagious smile and quick humor were loved by all who knew him. Ralph was pre-deceased by his wife in 2020. He leaves behind his 3 children, Victoria Herzog, Philip (wife Renee) Brander and Ralph (wife Theresa) Brander, eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the aides that took such wonderful care of him over the last years of his life as well as hospice for their loving care and concern. Arrangements to be announced at a future date.
Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Home.