Ralph Hume Bears

Ralph Bears Obituary
Ralph Hume Bears, 92, passed away on September 14, 2023 at his home in South Weymouth, MA. He was born on March 24, 1931, in Boston, MA to Ralph Roscoe and Cassie Bears. He was predeceased by his siblings Inez Smith, William Russell Bears, Amy Shillady and Violet Allard, as well his nephew and lifelong friend, Douglas Barry Smith.

He is survived by Nancy, his wife of 64 years and his children, Kevin Bears, Lisa Green, Amy Perriello, and Joseph Bears. He was known as Papa to his 15 grandchildren: Mikaelyn, Joanna, Julia, Christopher, Madison, Rose, Leah, May, Nicholas, Sophia, Anna, Marcus, Ruby, Ashley and Austin, as well as his great-grandchildren, Richard, Madelyn, Henry, and Athena.

Ralph grew up in the Mechanics Hall building on Huntington Ave, where his father managed the convention center and civic arena that stood where the Prudential complex is today.

Ralph was a 1949 graduate of Thayer Academy, and earned his Bachelor's Degree from Tufts University. At 5' 7" and 130 pounds on a good day, Ralph had little chance of making the Thayer Varsity Football team, but was named football manager by legendary coach Ward Donner.

He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War Conflict.

Throughout much of his working life, Ralph provided delicious food to the public back to the 1950's at the Newport Deli by Wollaston Station (the "Del"), and the Dinner Bell, nearby on Hancock Street in Quincy. He later managed the kitchen at the Elihu White Nursing Home in Weymouth Landing for more than 20 years. His love of spices was legendary and a key to his cooking.

Never content with retirement, he worked well into his 70's making donuts at the Quincy Ave. and Weymouth Landing Dunkin Donuts. During his time there, he even crossed paths with Fred the Baker actor Michael Vale of "Time to make the donuts" fame.

A huge fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Bruins, he remembered watching Babe Ruth play at Braves Field. But for Ralph, Ted Williams was THE undisputed greatest of all time, a fact he wasn't shy in sharing.

He loved traveling, especially to historical sites. Civil War and Revolutionary War battlefields, Presidential homes, and the castles, museums and landscapes of England and Ireland were highlights. Visits to his beloved Prince Edward Island with family were cherished.

Ralph was an avid reader and lifelong learner who continuously sought and shared knowledge. When he passed, his towering library surrounded him. He was also known for his quick wit and caring nature. He had a keen sense of humor, appreciated by all who knew him.

Ralph Bears leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and wisdom, for which he will always be remembered.

Above obituary published by Legacy Remembers, September 28, 2023.