Ralph Clifford Claflin

RALPH C. CLAFLIN: February 9, 1933 – October 27, 2022
ORANGE - Ralph Clifford Claflin, 89, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2022 at Central Vermont Medical Center. Ralph was born on February 9, 1933 to Fred and Vera (Munroe) Claflin and grew up in Corinth, VT. On September 18, 1959, Ralph married Mary A. Downing of East Orange, VT. In 1969-1970, the two embarked on the ambitious adventure of building a new home in Orange, VT where they raised their two daughters. Ralph was employed by Willard Martin Construction Company, running a swing shovel for many years. He later worked at Booth Brothers Dairy as their lead mechanic. After retiring, Ralph worked for the town of Orange on the road crew. Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and gardening. During retirement, Ralph and Mary enjoyed many trips throughout the country with an Alaskan cruise being one of his favorite vacations. Ralph was the family handyman who could fix vehicles, appliances, and almost anything in need of repair. He was an honest, hardworking, and generous man who loved his family and spending time with them.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Vera Claflin; a grandson, Eric Simendinger; two brothers, John and Frank; and two sisters, Olis Thurston and Olive Eggleston. Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary, of Orange, VT; his two daughters, Connie Simendinger of Williston, VT, and Kathy Jones (husband Douglas Jones) of Washington, VT; five grandchildren, Travis Harrington of Orange, VT, Jeffrey Simendinger of Waterbury, VT, Amy Simendinger (husband Jake Farnham-Haskell) of Burlington, VT, Mark Simendinger of Winooski, VT, and Amanda Merrill of Bethel, VT; as well as a great grandson, Jake Harrington of Orange, VT. Ralph also leaves behind his sister, Junis Thurston and her husband Mahlon, of Bradford, VT, and Diane Claflin of Corinth, VT. A private graveside service will be held in the spring at the East Orange cemetery