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Ralph E. Holmstrom, 102, of Newington, husband of the late F. Louise (Herrmann) Holmstrom, passed away Tuesday (August 23, 2016) at Middlewoods of Newington. A New Britain native and longtime resident, he later lived in Plainville before moving to Middlewoods in 2014. Ralph attended New Britain High School and served with the US Merchant Marine. Ralph was a firefighter for the City of New Britain for 28 years, retiring as a Lieutenant in 1969. He later worked in the Automotive Department at Sears in Corbins Corner and also served as a bartender at several local restaurants and country clubs.
A member and former head usher at First Lutheran Church in New Britain, he was a member, Past Master and 38 year Secretary of Walnut Hill Lodge AF&AM (now Unity Lodge # 148). A past District Deputy of 5B for the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, Ralph was a recipient of the Piermont Edwards Medal in Bronze. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a 63 years member of the Funsters Unit of Sphinx Temple Shrine in Newington. He was a dual member of Frederick-Franklin Lodge and Frederica Chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
Surviving are his three daughters, Kathy Hickey of Plainville and her longtime companion James Murray of Prospect; Donna Brown and her husband Larry of South Windsor; and Jane Holmstrom of Plainville and her companion and former husband Joe Kozalka of Kensington; three grandchildren, Scott Hickey and his wife Carla; Jennifer Conner and her husband Stephen; and Aaron Brown and his wife Tracey; seven great grandchildren, Colum, Kylie, Kenzie, Leah, Riley, Ayla, and SJ; several nieces and nephews. Besides his wife Louise, Ralph was predeceased by two brothers and three sisters, Raymond and Robert Holmstrom; Ruth Holmstrom; Olga "Toots" Janelle and Helen Halladay. He was also predeceased by a nephew, Edward "Ted" Janelle. Ralph's family expresses thanks to his devoted caregivers, Roxanne Mueller and Nana Damoah as well as the full staff at Middlewoods of Newington for all their loving care.
Funeral services are Friday 10 AM at First Lutheran Church, 77 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051 followed by burial in Fairview Cemetery, New Britain. Calling hours are Thursday 5 to 8 PM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain with a dual Masonic Service at 6:30 PM during the calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Lutheran Church or to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. Please share a memory or note of sympathy by "clicking" SEND CONDOLENCES at the bottom of the page.
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