Obituary for Ralph E. Bakley BAKLEY SR. , Ralph Emerson – 85 years young, of Cape May, went home to be with God on April 16th 2018 with his loving family at his side. Ralph was born on Eldredge Avenue in West Cape May and moved to York Avenue prior to graduating from Cape May High School in 1951.
He enlisted in the US Air Force during the Korean War and served in the Strategic Air Command (SAC). He met the love of his life, Barbara Kelly, on Washington Street in Cape May. Ralph said “she felt sorry for me so she married me”.
They married in October 1954. Ralph was a Cape May City Lifeguard and is in the Lifeguard Hall of Fame. Ralph worked at the Magnesite Plant where he had wonderful times with many friends including George Rea, Sr. and Vernon (Skippy) Hoffman.
Upon leaving the Magnesite Plant, Ralph began his career in law enforcement, serving in the Cape May Police Department with distinction for 30 years. He was a K-9 officer for fifteen of these years. Ralph was also president of the New Jersey K-9 Association; the first president of the United States Police Canine Association and president of PBA Local 59.
Upon retirement from the Cape May Police, Ralph served as a Cape May County Freeholder for 8 years. Ralph was a member of the West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company; Cape May Kiwanis Club; Cape May Masonic Lodge and was a 50 year member of the Lower Township Elementary School Board. He leaves behind his loving wife of 63 ½ years, Barbara; three loving children, Sonny (Cathy), Jeffery and Barbara.
He also leaves behind his golf partner, work partner and son-in-law, Anthony Marino; grandchildren, Alex Marino, Camille and Ethan Bakley and one great grandchild. Ralph will be missed by many people including the Wawa coffee-clutch and his golfing buddies. Ralph’s viewing will take place on Saturday (April 21st) from 10am until 11:50am in the First Assembly of God Church, 1068 Seashore Rd.
, Cape May where his funeral ceremony will begin at 12pm. Interment with military honors will follow in the Cold Spring Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, contributions are suggested to Animal Outreach (West Cape May) or to the Cape May City Kiwanis Club through “In Memory Of” online at www.
inmemoryof-memorial.org/ralph-bakley for your convenience and to ensure Ralph’s family is notified of your thoughtfulness. (Spilker Funeral Home, Cape May) info and condolences: spilkerfuneralhome.com Upcoming Events Visitation 2018 APR 21. 10:00 AM – 11:50 AM First Assembly of God 1068 Seahore Road Cape May, NJ, US, 08204 2018 APR 21.
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