TUCKER = RALPH FOSS - Newport

NEWPORT – Ralph Foss Tucker, 69, died August 22, 2000 at his Elm Street residence. He was born April 9, 1931 at Milbridge the son of Howard and Beatrice (Hinckley) Tucker. He attended Newport schools and was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in England and the Pacific, where he flew 38 combat missions over Korea as a tail gunner. He was honorably discharged from the U. S. Air Force with the rank of Staff Sergeant. On April 10, 1953, he married Virginia G. Salisbury of Hartland. Ralph was employed for a time at H. P. Hood and Sons in Newport. In the late 1950’s, he and his wife operated the Flamingo Drive-In Restaurant in Newport. In 1959, he also started serving as a substitute RFD mail carrier, and in the early 1960’s, he and his wife opened and operated Tucker’s Steak House in Newport. He was a foreman at Irving Tanning Company in Hartland for 13 years. He then worked for a time at Dexter Shoe Company in Dexter, and later was a foreman at Dexter Shoe Company in Newport. After retiring, Ralph wanted to continue to be active in the community. He volunteered daily at the Newport Community Food Bank, pickingup food at the local grocery store in Newport, and assisted in loading and unloading the food that was served to the needy in his community. On August 15, 2000, he was presented a plaque in appreciation of his dedication and hours of service to the Newport Community Food Bank. Ralph was a member of Barrows-Skidgel Post 105 American Legion in Newport, the Anah Temple Shrine in Bangor, the Tri-County Shrine Club, Stevens Royal Arch Chapter #28 Masons, and Meridian Splendor Lodge #49 Masons of Newport, as well as the St. Omer Commandery #12. Ralph was a past president of the Newport Kiwanis Club, and was also a Boy Scout leader in Newport for several years.


In addition to his wife of Newport, he is survived by a daughter, Cathy Jo Elliott and husband, Lewis of Hartland; a son Randy H. Tucker and fiancee April Cooley of Hartland; a sister, Babette Rediker and husband, Gaynol of Gardiner; a brother, Robert Tucker and wife Carlene of Raymond, MS; grandchildren, Gretchen Jo Elliott, Meranda Tucker, Anthony Tucker and Adrienne Tucker; and a special uncle, Clarence Tucker of Cherryfield. He was predeceased by a sister, Nancy E. (Tucker) Davis Brown, and a grandson, Jared T. Elliott.


Friends may call 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. Thursday at Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, 64 Main Street, Newport, where funeral services will be held 11 A.M. Friday with Pastor AlH. Worden, and the Rev. Dr. Henry G. Wymanofficiating.Burial will be in Pittsfield Village Cemetery.Donations in his memory may be made to the Newport Community Food Bank; c/o Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, 64 Main Street, Newport, ME 04953.