Ralph John Juhl

Ralph John Juhl, 85 years, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 4, 1938, in Vernon, Texas, he was the only son of the late Lieutenant Otto John Juhl, Jr., M.D. and the late Gladys Faulkner.

Ralph J. Juhl is survived by his wife, Margaret H. Juhl; his son, Otto John Juhl, III and wife, Lisa; his daughter, Erika A. Hawley and husband, William; his grandchildren, Otto John Juhl, IV and his wife, Allison, Tyler A. Juhl, Brynn A. Hawley, and William O. Hawley, III; great-grandson, James A. Reeves, IV, a great-granddaughter, expected in July; and sister, Julie F. Taylor and husband, Douglas.

After losing his father in World War II, Ralph and his mother moved back to Laurel, Delaware in 1942 in order to be close to family. Ralph spent his school years playing various sports, earning varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball, and receiving an invitation to play in Delaware’s first Blue/Gold Football game. It was during this time he developed a lifelong love for sports and competition, which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. After graduating from high school, Ralph turned down the opportunity to join the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system and instead decided to attend the University of Delaware (UD) to pursue a career in education. He dated Margaret Hastings while at UD and the two were wed soon after graduation. They were married 61 years.

After college, Ralph taught at North East High School in Maryland and was head coach of the varsity baseball team. He then moved to the Pilot School in Wilmington, Delaware where he remained for the rest of his career. While there, Ralph made a lasting impact on many lives as a teacher, mentor, wing-chairman, friend, and coach.

Ralph was a lifelong Blue Hen football fan and an avid golfer. One of his favorite moments was when he and his son won the National Father/ Son Jones Cup. He never missed his son’s golf competitions or daughter’s racquetball matches. He was a permanent fixture at all his family’s sporting events. He was always present with a scorebook in hand, at his grandsons’ baseball games; a proud onlooker at his granddaughter’s equestrian events; and a supportive fan who might have had words for the referees at his youngest grandson’s football games.

Ralph’s pride and joy was his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and was always there to provide encouragement and a kind word. He was very loved and will be greatly missed.

The memorial service will be a private one. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Canal Little League in Ralph’s name. P.O. Box 506, Bear, Delaware 19701.