In Memory of Ralph B. Humphreys

Obituary

Ralph B. Humphreys, 90, of New Hartford, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.

He was born April 19, 1936, in Utica, the son of the late George and Eleanor Humphreys. He attended the one-room schoolhouse on Tibbitts Road and graduated from New Hartford High School in 1953. In 1954, Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Lois Garrabrant. They celebrated their 72nd anniversary in June 2026, and together they enjoyed the ride of a lifetime.

Ralph got his first truck in 1961 and went on to build a highly successful trucking company. He was a proud father of four children, who worked alongside him in the business for 40 years. He also owned and developed Park View Estates, a manufactured home park in New Hartford, and Cherrywood Community in Clinton.

Ralph served the Town of New Hartford for many years as Republican Town Chairman and committeeman, and as Town Supervisor from 2001 to 2005. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of New Hartford, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and a 3rd-degree Mason with Amicable Lodge #664 F&AM, where he also served as a trustee.

A man of many passions, Ralph built and raced stock cars in Morris and Brookfield, and he traveled with NASCAR to tracks out West, driving trucks and working as a spotter. He was a pilot and a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He belonged to the Lincoln Zephyr Club, the V-8 Ford Car Club, the Historical American Truck Association, and the Central New York Stock Car Hall of Fame, and he served as a trustee of the St. David’s Society. He was a lifetime member of the Sauquoit Valley Frostie Nights snowmobile club and the Oneida County snowmobile club, where he served as treasurer.

Ralph loved riding his motorcycle, including a 15-day trip to the West Coast with his sons, and he enjoyed riding his horses and taking out the cars in his collection. He refurbished one of Utica’s original reservoirs, and for many years he and Lois went square dancing on Saturday nights. Together they traveled to all 50 states and abroad to Australia, Wales, and Africa for a safari, and they rafted the Colorado River twice. On a trip to the Holy Land, Ralph was baptized in the Jordan River by the Rev. Carol Jubenville. At home, he adored his parrot, Timmy, whom he taught to talk. 

Throughout his life, Ralph lived with the Lord as his guide, keeping humility in his heart and kindness for everyone he met. He saw the best in everyone and never met a stranger. He was a friend to all, always doing for others and making people feel welcome. Above all, Ralph loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who never missed an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments, and his love and pride were felt by all who knew him. He lived life as we all should: loving family and friends, enjoying the things that made him happy, and leaving this world a better place.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Lois; his children, Brian and Lisa Humphreys, Roger and Jackie Humphreys, Kurt and Holly Humphreys, and Janet and Mike Butler; his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Brymer and Wendy Humphreys and Hugh and Barbara Humphreys; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Janet Humphreys and Lois Webber.

The family would like to thank Dr. Amy Gorczynski for her wonderful care over the years, his physical therapist Maida Kapo, and Katherine Burnett and her staff at Live Long at Home for their loving care.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, October 24th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 105 Genesee St., New Hartford. Amicable Lodge #664 F&AM will conduct its ritualistic service at 4 p.m. The funeral will follow immediately, with the Rev. Andy Anderson and the Rev. Carol Jubenville officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First United Methodist Church of New Hartford, Hospice and Palliative Care, or the Masonic Medical Research Institute in Utica. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Online messages of sympathy may be left at www.fwefh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.