Ralph E. Simpson, Sr.

YORK – Ralph E. Simpson, Sr., 89, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2017 at York Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Virginia B. “Ginny” (Klepper) Simpson with whom he celebrated 67 years of marriage in May. A celebration of life tribute service will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, January 5, 2018 at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York with Certified Celebrant Jessica Smith officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 AM Friday at the Funeral Chapel. Masonic Rites will be presented by Zeredatha Lodge 451 Free & Accepted Masons immediately prior to the tribute service. Private burial will be in Suburban Memorial Gardens. Mr. Simpson was born on July 22, 1928 in Flint, MI; a son of the late Samuel V. and Martha P. (Tucker) Simpson who had resided in Mill Shoals, IL and stepson of the late Evelyn Simpson. He was a 1946 graduate of Fairfield Community High School in Fairfield, IL. He moved to Peoria, IL in 1949 and began a career with Caterpillar Tractor Co. that spanned 37 years. In 1969 he moved his family from Peoria to York where he retired in his role as a supervisor at Caterpillar. He was a Past Master of his F&AM Lodge in Pekin, IL and had received his 50 year pin celebrating his commitment to the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois. Upon retirement, Ralph enjoyed traveling and spending the cold months in Casa Grande, AZ. Ralph loved playing and coaching softball with his fellow “snowbirds,” hiking the Grand Canyon, summer family reunions on the Susquehanna River and his annual holiday tradition of biscuits and gravy with his family. Mr. Simpson was a member of Hawks Gunning Club and loved to square dance with Ginny, the love of his life, as they were both past members of the White Rose Square Dancers. In addition to his wife, Mr. Simpson is survived by two daughters, Sammie R. and husband John Wisner of York and Martha L. and husband Pete W. LoBianco, Sr. of Dover; a son, Ralph E. Simpson, Jr. and wife Linda Simpson of Millersville; seven grandchildren, Shawn S. Boyer and husband Brian, Pete W. LoBianco, Jr., S. David LoBianco and wife Noreen, Stephen LoBianco and wife Jenna, Megan E. Collyer and husband Adam, Andrew W. Simpson and wife Dana and Patrick M. Simpson; seven great grandchildren, Zachary Paup, Zoe and Eli Slothower, Jonah and Tessa Livoti-LoBianco, Bailey LoBianco and Cooper Collyer; one great great grandson, Quinn Irwin; a brother, Sam T. Simpson of Fairfield; a sister, Jervaise McDaniel of Albion, IL; and a stepsister, Berdena Hawkins of Illinois. He was preceded in death by a brother, Roscoe Simpson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.