John 'Dana' Ralph ... avid antiquer; at 78

FARMINGTON - John "Dana" Ralph, 78, of Farmington died peacefully at home on April 19. Dana was born in North Attleboro, Mass., to Lester Dana Ralph and Frances Eleanor (Quinn) Ralph. The eldest of four children, Dana attended King's Point Merchant Marine Academy. He went on to have a long career with AT&T as a lineman, climbing telephone poles and splicing cable on the coldest days of winter.

Dana spent many a day up at the Arundel or Fryeburg flea markets, always looking for that one in a million deal. He was an old fixture on the greater Rochester antiques scene and had his regular stops all over New England to wheel and deal in baseball cards, stamps or old bottles. He loved picking blueberries, listening to Flamenco music, and spending time with his dog, Beau. Dana loved visiting Fort Foster to visit his best friend, Lee Gambetta's final resting place and to dig for bottles by the old stone walls. He won almost every card game he ever played and wouldn't let you forget it, he was also an avid crossword puzzler.

Dana was well loved in his family and the community. He was loud, gregarious and always up for a game or two. He was not just a great man, he was truly one of a kind. According to his siblings "Dana was the very best of us." He will be sorely missed.

Dana is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Lillian (Griffin) Ralph of Farmington, daughter Annemarie Ralph and grandson Jasper John Dana Ralph of Los Angeles, and Martha's Vineyard, Mass. Dana also leaves behind three wonderful sisters: Joanne Lespasio of Quincy, Mass., Leslie McCausland of Mansfield, Mass., and Marybeth Bryson of Lincoln, R.I. as well as many nieces and nephews. Dana is predeceased by his son, John Dana Ralph, Jr."

Per Dana's wishes, there will be no services and in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cocheco Valley Humane Society.