Tallmadge, Ralph

Ralph Hawley Tallmadge, of Avon, Connecticut passed away peacefully at home on May 5th, 2021, a few days after his 96th birthday.

The son of Edward Benton Tallmadge and Claire Hawley Tallmadge, Ralph was a lifelong resident of Avon. Ralph owned Arctic Refrigeration, a Unionville company.

Ralph's legacy was one of service. Many times past president and officer of the Unionville Lions Club, he pioneered the Lions Club Redemption Center. Proceeds from the center are contributed to various local charities including Farmington Services for the Elderly, Meals on Wheels, the local food and fuel banks, and many other forms of outreach in keeping with Lions Club principles.

Through his shared effort, the Lions Club has also contributed substantially to building inclusive playgrounds at Union School, West District, and Westwoods Schools. It was Ralph's dream to build a new Lions club swimming pool to support the local high school and the town.

Ralph also served the community as a 50-year member of the Masons and Shriners and was a decorated combat veteran of World War II, having served as a forward artillery observer and communications expert in the 10th Mountain Division, United States Army.

He leaves his wife of 71 years, Elsie Bonini Tallmadge, of Avon, Connecticut, his two sons, James of Middletown, Connecticut and Paul of Brewster, Massachusetts, his daughter-in-law, Mary Tallmadge and grandson Ian Tallmadge.

Ralph was predeceased by seven siblings, and leaves many cousins, nieces, and nephews throughout the United States, as well as his extended family by marriage in Traona, Italy.

His lifetime legacy of kindness, discernment, and dedication will be remembered by many.

A celebration of Ralph's life will be held at the Lions clubhouse and pavilion at Camp Happy Hill, 87 West Avon Road, Unionville, Connecticut on Saturday, May 15th starting at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Ralph's family requests that contributions be made to Services for the Elderly of Farmington Connecticut. https://farmingtonseniors.org/ Arrangements are being handled by The Ahern Funeral Homes, Inc. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.

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