Ralph H. Dooley

ATHOL - Ralph Hyland Dooley, 91, of 160 Brattle St., died at Quabbin Valley Healthcare on Thursday, June 26, 2008, surrounded by his family, after many years of declining health. Born in Troy, New Hampshire on May 2, 1917, he was the youngest of 3 sons of the late Matthew Patrick and Clara Mary (Abare) Dooley. Ralph graduated from Troy High School and worked in the Troy Woolen Mills before attending school to learn the machinist's trade. He was mechanically gifted and spent his working years starting as an apprentice in Springfield, Vermont, to his last position as shop foreman at Raytheon Manufacturing Company, first in Waltham and retiring from Bedford Lab 16, to enjoy the cottage he built himself on White Pond in South Athol. He also had his own machine shop, The Independent Machine Company in Newton, MA, where he lived for over 30 years. He invented or modified many time and labor saving devices to adapt to his needs over the years. He was a World War II United States Navy Veteran, Machinist's Mate 1st Class and saw action aboard the destroyer USS Hudson DD475 in the Asian-Pacific theatre from 1942-1944 and received his medals many years later. He kept in touch with his former shipmates via mail and reunions. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Charles Musante Post, a 38-year member of the American Legion Edward H. Phillips Post, and a past member of the Knights of Columbus Council 167 in Newton, MA. Ralph married the love of his life, Clara Chaisson, after a courtship that included many a Saturday night dancing to the Big Bands of their era. Ralph kept a detailed list of all the bands they saw and/or danced to from coast to coast during their long married life. Clara just recently died on May 19, 2008, after 68 years with Ralph and took his will to live with her. Despite being wheelchair-bound for many years, Ralph took care of Clara when her own health failed. He leaves his only child, daughter Patricia Ann (Dooley) Ray, whom he adopted as a six-week old infant, and her husband Richard Ray, Sr., whom he loved as a son, both of them his devoted caregivers. He also leaves three loving grandsons: Richard Ray, Jr. of New Salem and his fiancee Darlene Wright of Athol, Christopher Ray and his wife Cynthia of S. Deerfield, and Robert Hyland Ray of Hyannis; four great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who loved their "Uncle Ralph". He was predeceased by his two brothers: Francis Dooley and Harry Dooley. Ralph was a generous person to his religious, civic, and charitable affiliations as well as to friends and family and there was almost nothing he couldn't fix during his long life except his most recent broken heart. He and Clara are together again and they are dancing in heaven! At Ralph's request there are no calling hours and burial will be private. Contributions in his memory may be made to Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St., Athol, MA 01331, or to a charity of your choice. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.murphysfuneralhome.com. J. Edward Murphy Funeral Home, 137 Main St., Athol, is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });