Ralph Bridges Body, a native of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away suddenly following a car accident on July 10, 2018. He was 58.

A graduate of Thomas McKean High School, Class of 1978, he very much enjoyed being on the stage crew for the school productions. Outside of school, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 29, later serving as an adult scout leader and he was always proud to be called a Scout. In addition, he was a junior member of the board of directors of the Delaware Chapter of the American Red Cross. He taught CPR classes, helped organize disaster relief initiatives, and when he visited Switzerland in his early 20s, made a well-remembered stop in Geneva at the world headquarters there.

Following high school, he attended the University of Delaware, where he earned a BA in Sociology. While there, Ralph volunteered as an EMT for University EMS, and worked for the University Grounds department.

After graduation, he worked for MBNA for over 20 years and became an assistant VP before the corporation was purchased. He made many friends and enjoyed working for "The Bank." He spent his entire career in telecommunications & network management, most recently working for Black Box Inc. where he was quite pleased to be reunited with some of his "old buddies from MBNA."

Ralph was a Lifetime Member of Hockessin Volunteer Fire Company and served as a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, Fire Police & also on the Board of Directors. He spoke very fondly of everyone he met there and it made a lasting impact.

A proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Ralph was a current member of the Bishop Becker Council, at St. Peter's Parish in New Castle. He achieved the rank of 4th degree Knight, the Patriotic arm of the Knights. He attended many funerals as part of the color-guard and assisted many families of deceased Knights by serving at their funerals. Ralph was elected by his brother-Knights to serve as State Deputy 2014-2015. Ralph and his wife Mary enjoyed attending many Knights' events throughout the state of Delaware. Ralph was often seen by the families at several parishes where his wife served as Director of Religious Education. Ralph attended almost every special event and greeted families and children warmly when they came for class and sacramental Masses.

Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Carey (Bridges) Body. He is survived by his wife of 25 years Mary, son Ralph, and stepson Eric Moore of Florida, father Ralph William Body (Julia), brother Bruce Body, sister Carey-Stuart Spencer (Michael), and a host of extended family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, July 16 at 11:00 am, at St. Mary of the Assumption R.C. Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. A viewing will be held on Sunday, July 15 at the church from 2:30 to 5 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Ralph's name to Hockessin Fire Company,
1225 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707.


302-994-9614
Delawarefuneral.com