Ralph Leroy Gotshall, 101, of Dunedin, FL passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 15, 2017. He was born in Sunbury, PA and lived in Dunedin, FL on Heather Ridge Blvd for many years. Ralph spent a portion of his youth in an orphanage until after graduating high school.
Following high school, Ralph joined the United States Army and served in the military for four years during World War II in the Army Air Corps. He landed in Africa and later in Italy serving in an artillery brigade. His Military Occupational Specialty was an Airplane Armorer. During his military career he received several awards including the American Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the American Service Medal. He was a Staff Sergeant at the completion of his service.
Upon his return from the service, he became an offset Printer working in various locations between New York City and Boston. Ralph married his late wife Mary Vieira Gotshall, also from Connecticut, and they were married for 37 years. Ralph was very involved in his Bible Study religious group and attended many National Conventions throughout the country over the years.
Ralph is survived by his stepdaughter, Linda Vieira ( JohnYoung); granddaughter, Jessica Young Taam, (Max); grandson, Jeremy Young all of Aspen, CO; and stepson Cam Vieira and his wife Mary of Dunedin, FL; granddaughters Cristina Abramson( Liam) of Avon, CT and Selena Vieira Casey (Richard) of Cheshire, CT; and three great-grandchildren Cameron and Jotham Casey and Lior Abramson.
A Memorial will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, from 2PM to 4PM at the Assisted Living Facility called The Preserve at Clearwater (formally The Inn On The Pond located at 2010 Greenbriar Blvd, Clearwater.
Cam, Linda and family,
Ralph had a great life which was highlighted by his marriage to your mom. Together they were a perfect couple who lived the life they both enjoyed. With Ralph’s passing this country has lost a true patriot and one who made this country a better place.
So sorry for your loss
Dear Linda,
I am so sorry to hear of Cousin Ralph’s passing. I had called to inquire on him on his birthday just this past year but he was not available to take my call. I will always remember the advice he gave me during one phone conversation – the secret to getting old. “Don’t buy a rocking chair and put it on the porch and stay in it. Get out and move, go for a walk every day you can.” RIP Cousin Ralph.
Sally Starr