Ralph Frederick Tefft

Decorated war veteran Ralph Frederick Tefft (91) recently passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Morrisonville, NY. Born in Pawtucket, RI in 1926, SMSgt.(Ret) Tefft volunteered for service near the end of WWII and quickly found himself flying combat missions with the US Army Air Corps. He flew intelligence-gathering missions during the Cold War with Russia and found himself in combat again during the Korean War where he survived one of the "Black Tuesday" events where numerous bombers were shot down in "MiG Alley." During one of those missions he received combat injuries that would have earned him a Purple Heart if had applied for it. His career included service with the US Army, US Army Air Corps, US Navy and US Air Force. During the Vietnam War Sgt. Tefft shifted to the role of in-flight refueling technician, a skill he mastered and taught for many years prior to his retirement at Plattsburgh AFB in 1976. Ralph Tefft was pre-deceased by his wife of 56 years Marie Annette (Blais) and is survived by three daughters Nanette Rogers, Tina Tefft, Patricia "Maxine" Tefft of Plattsburgh, one son, Daniel Tefft of Boston MA, 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. During his retirement he earned an Associates Degree in Business at Clinton Community College and worked for Kodak for 10 years. He was very active with American Legion Post 20 and Post 1619 and VFW Post 309. He volunteered with the DAV - Disable American Veterans - to drive disabled veterans to various appointments and was especially proud to participate in local chili cookoff competitions. He was most fond of the ocean and spent many winters with Marie-Annette on the beach in Myrtle Beach SC and innumerable trips to Old Orchard Beach, Maine. The singular piece of wisdom Sgt. Tefft shared with his children is: "Never judge a person's character or intelligence by the color of their skin or the manner of their dress." A service with full military honors is being planned for him at American Legion Post 1619 in West Plattsburgh. Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518)-561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com