Obituary of Ralph T. Wenzel

Ralph Theodore Wenzel passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 4th surrounded by his family and close friends at his home in Saratoga Springs. Ralph was born in Troy, NY to German immigrants Henry and Katherine (Wessling) Wenzel on October 18, 1933. Ralph graduated from Troy High School in 1952 and served in the Army during the Korean War. He married Dorothy Narcissian Murray in 1968 and became the father of two young step-children. Ralph worked as a machinist for over 35 years at Norton Abrasives in Watervliet. Ralph was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy; and his siblings Charles, Richard, Alice Davis and Katherine Mayotte. He is survived by his daughter, Darlene Murray (William Yusavage); his son Daniel Murray (Deborah) of Charleston, SC; his grandchildren: Nicholas Yusavage, Ralph Yusavage and Elizabeth Murray; and his nephew Don Mayotte, as well as many friends and relatives. His family is deeply grateful to his sister-in-law Sharon Loiselle and dear friend Dora Strode who cared for him for the last four weeks of his life, along with his caregivers from Community Hospice. Ralph was a member of the American Legion of Halfmoon, where he enjoyed playing darts and horseshoes, and he served in the Halfmoon Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years. He was an avid horse racing fan and enjoyed living within walking distance of the Saratoga Race Track for the last 8 years of his life. Ralph had a special affinity for children and pets, and never met a dog who didn’t like him. He was a loving father, a loyal friend and a devoted grandfather. He remained “young at heart” until the end. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 8th at 11:00 a.m. at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home 1550 RT- 9, Clifton Park, NY. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment with military honors will be held in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to the Halfmoon American Legion Mohawk Post 1450, 275 Grooms Rd., Clifton Park, NY 12065, in memory of Ralph T. Wenzel.