Ralph Charnley

Ralph E. Charnley, 94, most recently of South Kingstown and formerly of Johnston and Smithfield, died Thursday, July 26, 2018 at the Rhode Island Hospital. He was the husband of the late Irene (Smith) Charnley. Born in Graniteville, he was a son of the late Frank and Lena (Ellison) Charnley.

Ralph was an electronics technician for Texas Instruments in Attleboro for many years prior to his retirement. He was a US Army veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict, serving from 1943-1946 and from 1950-1952, before being discharged as a Captain. He had received numerous decorations, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, for his combat service in the European Theater of Operations.

He leaves two sons, Gary S. Charnley and his wife Lorraine, Ronny A. Charnley and his wife Lisa, all of Smithfield, three grandchildren, Jennifer Ellis, Jessica Harrington, and Heather Charnley, six great-grandchildren, Haley, Jacob, Aidan, Skyler, Wyatt, and Collin. He also leaves a brother, Raymond Charnley. He was brother of the late Gilbert Charnley.

Ralph’s funeral service will be held Friday, August 3, 2018 at 11 AM in the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence, followed by burial, with military honors, in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. Calling hours are Thursday 6-8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Johnston Historical Society, memo to the Graniteville War Memorial, 101 Putnam Pike, Johnston, RI 02919.