Ralph E. Pelkey

Ralph E. Pelkey, 78, of Gorham, passed away unexpectedly at his home. He was born in Berlin, NH, on August 2, 1946, the son of the late Lawrence and Sarah Pelkey. Ralph served in the U.S. Army as a mechanic, and upon his return to Berlin, he worked for Costello Tire Company for a couple of years. He then took a position with the Brown Company, spending many years at the Cascade Mill—first in the yard and later as the color man in the stockroom—eventually retiring from Fraser Paper Company after more than 30 years of service. He was locally known by many as the “man in the blue coveralls”.

Ralph enjoyed hunting for deals at different stores and yard sales on the weekends, fully embracing the motto, "If it’s free, it’s for me." He also loved collecting items, especially coins such as wheat pennies and bicentennial quarters. On Fridays, he could often be found driving around the North Country, picking up regional newspapers—not only for his own enjoyment, but to share with family and friends as well.

Members of his family include his son, James Pelkey and wife LouAnne of Gorham; his daughter, Karen Pelkey of Gorham; and his grandchildren: Ryley, Emma, and Caleb. He is also survived by his siblings: Linda Duchesne of Berlin, Newton Pelkey of Hanover, MD, Warren "Butch" Pelkey of Framingham, MA, and Stephen Pelkey of Marathon, FL and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Phyllis Pelkey, in 2015; his son, Roland Pelkey; and his siblings: Harold, Lawrence “Larry”, Raymond, Richard, and James.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Bryant Funeral Home, 1 Promenade St., Gorham, NH. Ralph will be interred privately beside his wife at New City Cemetery in Berlin.

Those who wish may make a donation in Ralph’s memory to the American Diabetes Association: New England, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116.