Ralph C. Dear ’49

Ralph, a native of Jersey City, N.J., died Oct. 2, 2021. He came to Princeton from Lincoln High School in the summer of 1945. He roomed with Dan Lutzeier for three years and lived at Elm Club his senior year. He played 150-pound football, sang in the Glee Club and the Chapel Choir, and was news editor of The Daily Princetonian. He majored in economics and social institutions and planned to enter the family newspaper-publishing business.

In 1954 Ralph was working for the Daily Journal in Wheaton, Ill., and was married to Sally Dallis. This union eventually produced three children, Salli, Cannon (Ralph Jr.), and Jeffrey.

By the time of our 25th reunion Ralph was the owner of Dear Publications in Seabrook, N.H., with “newspapers mixing local business with community service.” He retired in 1985 and moved to Evansville, Ind., with his wife, Pheabe and their two children, Martin and Gwen. As born-again Christians they were active in Sports World Ministries and the Campus Crusade for Christ.

Ralph’s daughter Salli predeceased him. He is survived by Pheabe, four children, six grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. We extend our sympathy and respect to all.