Ralph C. Woolley

YORK- Ralph C. Woolley, 90, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2008 at his home. Mr. Woolley was the husband of the late Louise E. (Ewalt) Woolley. They observed their 59th wedding anniversary on June 26, 2001. Mr. Woolley was the son of the late Ralf and Louella C. (Clark) Woolley and was born on December 24, 1917 in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Woolley is survived by three sons, Stephen L and wife Barbara, and Mark E. and wife Kimberly, of York, and Scott C. of New York City. Another son, Robert C. passed away in 1996. He is survived by four grandsons, Travis and his wife Kristen Woolley, Stephen and his wife Angie Woolley, Seth Webb and Shane Ditzler, all of York, two granddaughters, Laura Woolley of Los Angeles, and Rebecca and her husband Christopher Bruce of Baltimore. Also surviving are four great grandchildren, Ethan, Roth, David and Kathryn. Mr. Woolley was a U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII. He was a musician, professor at York College and composer and was prominent in York as a director of many choral groups, among which was the York Chorus, Yorkettes and Elks choirs. He was the founder of the current York Symphony Chorus, as well as choral festival conductor in various areas in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Mr. Woolley was a graduate of Baylor University, Waco, Texas. Graduate works were completed at the University of London, Maryland University and he earned his Master's from Peabody Conservatory of Music. With over 65 years of private teaching, Mr. Woolley taught thousands of local singers. A memorial service will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church, 340 East Market St., York on Saturday, November 1st at 11:00 AM with Rev. S. Philip Covert and the Rev. Paul Stambach presiding. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York is in charge of the arrangements. A reception will be held in the social hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice, 218 East Market Street, York, PA 17403.