Ralph D. Mead, 74, of Forestport and formerly of Ilion and Utica, passed away peacefully, Monday, December 3, 2012, at The Pines at Utica, Utica. He was born on July 28, 1938, in Ilion the son of the late Howard Francis and Ruby Ella Geary Mead and attended Ilion schools. On April 17, 1965, Ralph married the former Sandra Lee Nabinger in Ilion. She passed away June 26, 1998. Later he married the former Lucille Wright of Utica and resided there before moving to Forestport. For many years, Ralph was a self employed contractor and mason working throughout the Mohawk Valley. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and then in the Reserves. Ralph was of the Methodist faith. He enjoyed spending many hours on the water fishing during his free time. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Leshia and Ted Kozenewski of Ilion; his brother and sister-in-law, Herb and Mary Mead of Ilion; his sister, Shirley Jones of Ilion; his grandson, Kyle Kozenewski; his sisters in-laws, Josphine Mead of Mohawk and Rita Korniat of Herkimer and several nieces and nephews including a very special niece, Cindy Mead. Ralph was predeceased by his brothers, Stanley and Howard Mead; his sister, Frances Mead and brother-in-law William Jones. In Keeping Ralph's wishes there will be no public visitation or funeral services. Private services and interment will be held in Armory Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family has entrusted his care and arrangements to Scott J. Pizer, Funeral Director for Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, Town of Frankfort. Online condolences may be given by visiting www.eneafamily.com The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Charchare, the entire staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and The Pines at Utica for all the loving and compassionate care that was given to Ralph. They would also like to especially thank all of Ralph's friends and extended family at Scooter's in Forestport