ONEONTA – Ralph Jesse Morley, 91, passed away Thursday, January 10, 2013 at home peacefully with his loving family at his side.


He was born December 1, 1921 in Hancock, the seventh son of Frank and Carlotta (Hulbert) Morley.


Ralph and Bea Favreau met in the spring of 1941 and they were married on October 25, 1941 in Sidney. They lived their first few years in Sidney before making their home in Oneonta.


World War II broke out shortly after they were married and Ralph went to work at Scintilla defense plant in Sidney.


Ralph enlisted in the United States Army in 1944, serving during World War II in Central Germany with the 9th Army 171st Combat Engineers. He was honorably discharged in 1946.


After his military service he returned to Scintilla for a time. Then for a number of years, he owned a produce distribution business, dba The Delaware Fruit Company based on Market Street, Oneonta. Ralph had a fleet of trucks which hauled fruits and vegetables. While he owned the produce business he built many cabinets, like is father and grandfather. Eventually, Ralph established Ralph J. Morley Construction Co., Inc. Ralph's style put his signature on many unique custom homes prominently Suncrest Terrace, Revine Parkway and Cooperstown Lake Homes and commercial projects, there was The Townhouse, Oasis Motor Inn, the offices in Wilber Bank, Astrocom and Northrups. He also built the covered bridge at Oneonta Country Club.


Once Ralph retired in 1983, he pursued his love of painting and became a Master Wood Carver. He took great pride in donating "The Alter of Angels" to St. Mary's Church, the Late Father Paul Roman and all parishioners. Ralph was an avid golfer with acquiring 3 holes in one. He traveled afar to hunt, fish and golf. He was a Sharp Shooter, having won several awards from Empire State Rifle and Pistol League. He also had his pilot's license. He devoted unconditional love to Bea and family. His greatest passion in life was his family; always finding time to enjoy a dance with his beloved wife, spending time with his children and playing the harmonica with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.


He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and a board member of the Oneonta Country Club.


He is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Beulah "Bea" Morley; sons, Terry (BettyAnn Stuhl) Morley, Brad Morley (partner Steven King) and Randy (Ellen Lyons) Morley, all of Oneonta; a daughter, Darlene "Rikki" (Jesse) Saunders, of Cochranville, PA; grandchildren, Chris (Barbara Magnan) Morley of Bangor, ME, Terry R. (Audrey Bamberg) Morley of Highland Park, NJ, Kevin (Heather Layton) Morley of Centreville, VA, Julie (Mike) Himes of Otego, Jennifer (Mark) Freels of Ashland, MA, Heather (John) Saia of Hamilton, NJ, Ryan Morley of Oneonta and Carmen (Marin) and Mark Lemon of Salt Lake City, UT; 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.


He was predeceased by a son, Gary Robert Morley and a granddaughter, Shauna Nicole Morley, along with 9 brothers and 1 sister.


Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.


The Funeral Mass will be 10:15 a.m. on Monday, January 14, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, with the Rev. David W. Mickiewicz, celebrant.


A committal service with military honors will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, April 20, 2013 at the Prospect Hill Cemetery in Sidney.


In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820.


Expressions of sympathy may be made to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com


Arrangements are under the guidance of the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.