BIDDEFORD — Ralph C. Bean, 74, of Biddeford, died on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016, at his home in Biddeford.
He was born on Jan. 1, 1942, to Samuel L. and Simmone (Boissonneault) Bean in Biddeford. He graduated from St. Louis High School and attended Gorham State Teacher’s College where he majored in music education. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam.
On Nov. 26, 1966, he married Margaret “Peggy” Emerson at St. Joseph’s Church in Biddeford.
For most of his career, he worked in business accounting, eventually retiring from Counseling Services in Saco. He was an accomplished drummer. In his younger years, he played in several local dance bands and later became a founding member of the Alumni Band, where he led the marching band for years as the drum major and played tympani in the concert band.
After retirement, he volunteered at the Hospice Bookstore, Biddeford Public Access and St. Louis Alumni Beano. He also truly loved working in the pro-shop at Dutch Elm Golf Course, where he was a long-time member. He was an avid fan of New England sports teams and any events involving his grandchildren.
Ralph is survived by: his loving wife of 50 years, Margaret “Peggy” Bean of Biddeford; three daughters, Barbara Bean Fortier and her partner, Michael Campbell of Biddeford, Catherine Bean of Biddeford, and Allison Bean of Biddeford; two grandchildren, Eric and Victoria Patnaude; one niece, Ashley Alston of Saco; and many cousins.
Visiting hours will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan., 3, 2017, at Hope Memorial Chapel 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005. A funeral service will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel. To share condolences online, please visit HopeMemorial.com. Donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to: Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club Charitable Fund, P.O. Box 298, Saco, ME 04072.
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