Ralph Copley, Jr., 85 of Tourtellot Hill Road, Chepachet, died Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at his home. He was the husband of Claire A. (Dupras) Copley. They had been married for 56 years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Ralph and Nellie (Millington) Copley. He had lived in his beloved home in Chepachet for over 50 years.
Ralph worked for Mine Safety Appliance in Smithfield for many years before retiring. He proudly served in the United States Army, earning the Expert Badge for Rifle Marksmanship and the Good Conduct Medal, reflecting his dedication, skill, and exemplary service.
Ralph enjoyed shooting sports, both competitive as well as recreational, and was an avid and accomplished rifleman. Some of his fondest times were spent on the shooting range, practicing and participating in competitive target shooting matches.
In his later years, he took a liking to recreational trap shooting. Ralph was a member of the Wallum Lake Rod and Gun Club as well as the Smithfield Sportsman’s Club, to which he was recently honored with a lifetime membership. As a history enthusiast and lifelong learner, he enjoyed reading and watching anything related to the subject matter. Above all, Ralph was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and uncle. His gentle manner, patience, intellect, kindness, and caring nature will be missed by those who knew and loved him dearly.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his children: Scott Copley of Coventry and Susan Santomarco and her husband, Emilio of Providence; his grandson, Jacob Copley; his daughter-in-law, Tina Copley of Coventry; his niece, Cynthia McAley of Warwick, and his nephew, William Crosby, of Warwick as well as several great nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Alice Crosby.
His funeral will be held Saturday, November 16th at 9am from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10am in Our Lady of Grace Church, George Waterman Road, Johnston.
Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. Visitation will be Friday, November 15th, 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association.
American Heart Association