Dominican Father Francis
Gerard Ralph dies at 76

Dominican Father Francis Gerald Ralph

Dominican Father Francis Gerard Ralph died Aug. 8 at Nazareth Home Clifton. He was 76.

Father Ralph was a native of Somerville, Mass., and was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1972.

He served at parishes in Kentucky, Washington, D.C., Rhode Island, Georgia, New York, Ohio and New Jersey.

In the Archdiocese of Louisville, Father Ralph served at St. Louis Bertrand Church and at St. Rose Priory in Springfield, Ky. He also served the Dominican Sisters of Peace as chaplain at the motherhouse and infirmary in St. Catherine, Ky.

Father Ralph was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a former member of the Province’s Provincial Council. He is survived by members of his community.

The visitation will take place from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 11 at St. Louis Bertrand Church, 1104 S. 6th St.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 12 at St. Louis Bertrand Church. Burial will be in St. Rose Cemetery in Springfield.

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2 replies on “Dominican Father Francis
Gerard Ralph dies at 76”
  1. says: Maureen Elizabeth Purcell

    Father Ralph was a deer and kind man he was a one-of-a-kind priest he was just so in tune with people’s feelings and their love and respect for God I am a Purcell and the purcells have worshiped him from day one my aunt and him were dear friends my mother and him were dear friends we were all dear friends a father Ralph he has seen us through many trials and tribulations and many losses of our family but today it is our loss that we feel that he has gone to a greater place may you rest in peace my friend

  2. says: Russ Salsman

    Rest easy, my friend. I’ll miss our lunches and visits at the Nazareth home. As sad as wel all are at St Louis Bertrand, how lucky we were to have such a kind, humble, and sincere priest/friend in our midst for almost 20 years.
    Pray for us as well pray for your soul, even though I’m pretty darned sure you made it safely home.

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