Ralph Neer of Callicoon Center, a retired Highway Maintenance Worker for the Town of Callicoon Highway Department, passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021 at home surrounded by family. He was 88 years old. Ralph was born and raised in Sullivan County on January 11, 1933 in Long Eddy, New York the son of the late Claude and Helen Neer. Ralph married Betty Lee Urban on April 19, 1959. They were happily married for 62 years.

Ralph was a devoted family man, was a member of the Callicoon Center Fire Department, he was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, he was a hard worker, he loved to talk, he was a nature lover, a social butterfly and a member of the Old Bastards Chapter of Liberty.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Helen Neer, by his brothers Frank and Claude Neer, by his sister Janis Kenyon and by two sons-in-law David Valentine and Kenneth Pierce.

Ralph is survived by his wife Betty Lee Neer of Callicoon Center; by his sister Joan Cole of Florida; by his son Ralph Jr. of Kentucky; by his daughters Elaine Neer, Laura Valentine, Nancy Barnhart and Ginger Pierce. Ralph is further survived by his grandchildren Briana and Melanie Santos; Derek, Garrett, and Kori Valentine; Emmet and Rachel Barnhart; Ginger Ellis and Roxanne Fridlich and great-grandchildren Amaya Murry, Ginger Renee Ellis, Blaise Ellis and June Ellis. He is also survived by his canine companion Lady.

Friends may call on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home, 5068 Route 52, Jeffersonville, NY. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 11 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Callicoon Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Callicoon Center Fire Department, P.O. Box 144, Callicoon Center, NY 12724 or to the Jeffersonville First Aid Squad, P.O. 396, Jeffersonville, NY 12748.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home. To leave a condolence please visit stewartmurphyfh.com 845-482-4280.