Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Remembering Ralph Palumbo

We Remember Ralph…

Rather than mourn, we should be thankful that God granted us the time we had with Ralph.

“I was lucky to have known Ralph. God used him to reach out to me from the first day we met at Herrlich and as we remained friends throughout the years that followed. God grant me the Grace to live as he did.”
CH(COL) Rubin & Carmen Colon, Columbus, Georgia

“God’s light did truly shine within Ralph and in turn illuminated all who were blessed to call him friend. He was special because his goodness was not only shared with family and friends but with all who crossed his path. Ralph lives in our hearts, memories, and in the warm glow of God’s love.”
Tyrone Wims, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

Just as God smiled on us, so did Ralph.

“He had a sense of humor. I will miss him”
Elly (Duehne) Harrold, Bronx, New York

“Although it has been more than 40 years, I still remember Ralph of the big smile, the big loud laugh.”
Rev. Gerry Gengenbach, Northfield, Minnesota

“He was a GREAT guy. He had such a positive attitude in spite of his many physical problems.”
Linda (Larson) DeLong, DuBois, Pennsylvania

“I spoke with him before the reunion. He sounded like his good old self from Herrlich days, so positive and upbeat. I’m sorry I couldn’t get to the reunion. I can still hear his laughter in my mind.”
Reverend Ralph Midtlyng, Granada Hills, California

“Ralph was just a great pleasure to have as a member of our Camp Staff. He was always smiling and happy and one of the most optimistic guys I have ever known. He loved the kids he worked with and they loved him. His positive attitude and strong Christian Faith added much to the camping experience of his cabin and to the benefit of our camp staff. It was good to see him at our camp staff reunion.”
Pastor Ed & Rene Wiker, Bridgeton, New Jersey

“I am glad I had the chance to talk to Ralph for quite a while at the reunion! He told me about his very challenging and painful health issues, yet he wanted to start doing more in the way of physical activities. His strong faith and courage touched my heart.”
Pat (Petersen) Puchalski, Gahanna, Ohio

“He did always have a little glint of mischief in his eye.”
Norma (Olsen) Levett, Indian Trail, North Carolina

“Here’s to Ralph Palumbo. Camp Herrlich kitchen worker, counselor and all-around roust-about. Let’s never forget that amazing laugh!”
George Kitz, Keene, New Hampshire



“I feel fortunate to have bathed in his smile and well wishes at the last reunion. What a wonderful spirit.”
Warner Wims, San Francisco, California

Ralph always listened to others, he cared and tried his best to help them.

“While I wasn’t able to attend the reunion, Ralph called me as plans were being made. He related his health was poor and this would be the last reunion (if there were anymore) for him. Now seems prophetic. So I have a sweet memory of his thoughtful call.”
Kay (Brookshaw) Aho, Bremerton, Washington

“My days at HERRLICH were truly the best days of my youth. I don’t remember much, but I do remember when I was about 10 years old, I had a huge crush on Walter Haag. Ralph and Hector somehow made arrangements for Walter to come to the Bronx and surprise me.”
Karen (Duehne) Aromando, New York, New York

“Ralph was an unforgettable presence from my summer at Herrlich. He was always friendly, kind, supportive and fun. Lots of good memories.
Marsha Nyberg, Hermann, Missouri

I’ll never forget the night back in 1968 when a rather large group of us ended up at a pizzeria on Main Street in Brewster. Not realizing that our evening’s activities would include this attitude adjustment session, when the waitress checked, Pat had no i.d. While several of us protested, Ralph quietly ordered two drinks and gave one to Pat. Unfortunately, the waitress noticed and refused to serve anyone at our table any more alcohol.

Once at the annual Lake Carmel Carnival, someone dropped a contact lens. So, the whole group of us started searching through the grass. From the ride he was on, Ralph asked what had happened. When we told him, he promptly pointed to the ground and said right there. We still couldn’t find it and figured he was trying to be funny. You can imagine our surprise when the ride ended and Ralph came over picked up the missing contact and handed it to the owner.
Jim Lindsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana

"I will never forget when Ralph visited Camp Herrlich in the summer and taught the campers the old "Herrlich Clap and Hand Shake."
Bob Gentile, Executive Director, Camp Herrlich


“His cabin’s 4th of July float of the Statue of Liberty! They made the platform out of long branches, then borrowed one of the girls from Sandy’s cabin to ride on top and carry the torch! It was classic Ralph – Big, bright and a bit dangerous.


The other picture is from Water Carnival, 1968, between the Booms and the Ribets! As I remember it, Ralph was a Boomer!”
Reverend Gerry Gengenbach, Northfield, Minnesota

“Ralph was a fun-loving guy – I will never forget his camp carnival rides (I am surprised they actually worked and no one got hurt!!!)”
Karen (Kangas) Repka, East Windsor, New Jersey

“I remember Ralph and Hector doing the Herrlich Chant. Ralph would start running around the room while we chanted, ‘Herrl…” he would then pass off to Hector who would run out of the Dining Hall through one door and enter through a door on the opposite side of the room, just as we were about to run out of breath, and throw his fist up for us to finish the, “ich. “
Karen (Duehne) Aromando, New York, New York

“We here in the Bronx were lucky enough to attend many of the coffee houses he so enthusiastically hosted at Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville.”
Elly (Duehne) Harrold, Bronx, New York

I still remember…
…..Ralph always being covered in Calamine Lotion to treat his poison ivy.
…..finding “Ralph J, Palumbo Square” in Boston. Honestly, that’s the name of an intersection. We had never imagined how famous Ralph was.
…..the many late night hours the War Council spent during 1968 and 1969 burying wire to bug the girl’s unit cabin.
…..the time Anita Maleeta and company put dyed shaving cream on Ralph’s car. For the rest of the summer, his tan car had a pink hue, just like Ralph with his Calamine Lotion.
…..how Ralph encouraged Nicky DiLousa with his singing and Roland Heike with his magic shows.
…..Ralph setting up the BB rifle range in the basement of the infirmary and hunting each other with the BB guns.
…..Ralph’s important part in the famous “Alien Attack” at the old director’s cabin.
……everybody partying well into the night at the Palumbo family’s summer home.
…..Ralph surprising everyone with his skills as a makeup artist in NYC the night after the Christmas, 1969 reunion.
Jim Lindsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Love is stronger than death even though it can’t stop death from happening, but no matter how hard it tries it can’t separate people from love. It can’t take away our memories. In the end, life is stronger than death.

“Blessings and prayers to his family, and all of you, my old and dear friends, as we mourn together and carry out our missions in this world.
Judy (Elevick) Reilly, Westminster, Maryland

“I am glad I got to see him at the last reunion..he will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers to his family.
Karen (Kangas) Repka, East Windsor, New Jersey

“He was an extremely religious man, who put every effort into sharing what he knew of his Lord with others.”
Elly (Duehne) Harrold, Bronx, New York

“I am very sorry to hear of his death. God’s comfort and peace to his family and friends.”
Reverend Gerry Gengenbach, Northfield, Minnesota

“I’m so glad I got to see him one more time at the reunion and will look forward to seeing him again in heaven one fine day.”
Linda (Larson) DeLong, DuBois, Pennsylvania

“I am so sorry to hear it. I’m so glad I got to see him at our reunion. God’s peace to Ralph’s family”
Norma (Olsen) Levett, Indian Trail, North Carolina

“Ralph lives on in our hearts, memories, and in the warm glow of God’s love. I will keep his family in my prayers.”
Tyrone Wims, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

“I hope and pray I’ll hear his laughter again when I go where he has gone.”
Reverend Ralph Midtlyng, Granada Hills, California

“There is no doubt in my mind that now Ralph is laughing, jogging/running and sharing his great sense of humor with those who have passed before him. I can hear his voice saying, “Hey, Pat, look what I can do NOW!” Yes, we will pray for his family and trust in God’s infinite wisdom.”
Pat )Petersen) Puchalski, Gahanna, Ohio

“He will always be a part of our history and never forgotten. We will keep him in our prayers at chapel this summer. May he be at peace.
Bob Gentile, Executive Director, Camp Herrlich