Ralph Dorman
February 8, 1926 — July 22, 2016
MIFFLINBURG – Ralph Wesley Dorman, 90, of 4135 Wildwood Rd., passed away suddenly on Friday, July 22, 2016, after a brief illness.
He was born February 8, 1926, in Millmont, a son of the late Dewey and Emily (Long) Dorman.
At the age of 18, Ralph was drafted and departed New York City abroad the Queen Mary bound for South Hampton, England. He served in combat with the 75th division, 289th infantry in the European Theatre. The 75th was nicknamed the “Diaper Brigade” due to the young age of these fighting boys. They were later known as the “Bulge Busters” for their distinguished combat record in the Battle of the Bulge.
He saw combat in the battle of the Ardennes, the Colmar Pocket Battle, and the Battle for the Ruhr in which thousands of slave laborers were freed. Ralph served in England, France, Belgium, Holland, Luxemborg, and Germany. He had his 19th birthday in Lugelhem, France. For his service, he received the Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts.
On July 28, 1947, in West Milton, he married the former Melladine Machamer, who survives. They would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.
Ralph was employed as a foreman at Chef Boyardee, Milton, for 36 years, until he retired in 1987.
He was known as a problem solver and never backed down from a challenge, be it helping a grandson with Algebra, helping a daughter sew a skirt for Home Economics, or any mechanical problems of friends and neighbors. Ralph was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener.
Surviving in addition to his wife, are two daughters and sons-in-law, Bonnie and Lande Bilger of Millmont, and Tina and Harold Zimmerman of Millmont; four grandchildren, Ryan Bilger, Chelsea Bilger, Lawni Zimmerman, and Wendy Roush; 5 great grandchildren, Andrew, Grady, Mikaela, Ben, and McKenna; and two brothers, Richard and Donald.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Asher, Robert, and William; and two sisters, Esther and Betty.
Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to any veterans group or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Funeral arrangements are by Roupp Funeral Home, Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Rd., Mifflinburg.