Ralph Ferris Bowles

Ralph Ferris Bowles, the loving husband, and father of three passed away at home on February 14, 2022, at the age of 89. Ralph was born on February 03, 1933, to Charles F. Bowles and Elise H. Ludlum Bowles of Yonkers, NY. After living in Yonkers, he came to Ithaca to study Mechanical Engineering at Cornell. He fell in love with the area and chose to make it his home, eventually building his house in Danby.

Ralph’s career spanned several decades at NCR Engineering and later operated his own machine shop at home. A strong believer in community service, he was an active member of the Danby Volunteer Fire Company for more than 60 years. Ralph treasured his many friends from Cornell, Danby, NCR, and his machine shop. He loved sailing, riding his motorcycle around Cayuga Lake, taking friends for ice cream in the rumble seat of his Model A, and flying his homebuilt Emeraude. One of his fondest memories was flying youths in the Emeraude as part of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Young Eagles Program.  He was a member of EAA Chapter 811, a Life Member of the Danby Volunteer Fire Company, and a Lifetime Member of EAA.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 32 years, Lucretia Bowles, and his brother Kenneth Bowles. He is survived by his second wife Deanna Bowles, his sons David (Carol) Bowles and Karl (Jeanine Thomson) Bowles, daughter Karen Bowles, and step-son Erik (Amanda Faust) Bakko, as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces.

There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life at a time convenient for the family. Deanna wishes to thank Dr. Lucia Jander, the Visiting Nurse Services, and Hospicare for their excellent care and support.

Donations to honor Ralph may be made to EAA Young Eagles Program, EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54903 or online at eaa.org/eaa/apps/donations/donationform;  Hospicare & Palliative Care Services, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or online at hospicare.org/donate; or Danby Volunteer Fire Company, 1780 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Bangs Funeral Home, online condolences at www.bangsfuneralhome.com