Obituary of John-Ralph Tibbetts

FAIRFAX, Va. John Ralph Tibbetts, 85, died on October 14, 2006 in Fairfax, following a brief illness. He was born on December 11, 1920, in S. Bristol, N.Y. to John R. and Bessie Smith Tibbetts. While he spent much of his childhood in Ga., he graduated from Penn Yan Academy (NY) in 1938 and enrolled in the then NYS College for Teachers at Albany. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served as both pilot and navigator until his discharge in 1945. J. Ralph returned to SUNY Albany for his master's and completed his doctorate at NYU in 1954. He then served SUNY Albany in a variety of teaching and administrative positions until his retirement as associate dean of the School of Education in 1982. His contributions are recognized by the School of Education through the John Ralph Tibbetts Distinguished Service Award for Faculty. J. Ralph was equally dedicated to community service and provided board leadership for the YMCA, Family and Children's Services, the United Way Campaign and for his church, Trinity Methodist. His avocation was woodworking and he built all or most of several residences with his own hands. He was never happier than when designing or executing a construction project at his second home in the Adirondacks or for his neighbors. J. Ralph was predeceased by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Tibbetts, for whom he cared zealously through her lengthy final illness. He is survived by his second wife, Ann Marie Casserly Tibbetts, with whom he enjoyed his last years traveling widely. He is also survived by his three children, John R. Tibbetts (Danielle) of E. Greenbush, Carol E. Giem (Loren) of Twin Bridges, Mont. and William B. Tibbetts (Kathleen) of Hayesville, N.C. ; as well as by three grandchildren, Lindsay Giem of Twin Bridges, Mont., Nicole Tibbetts of Tallahassee, Fla. and Gregory Giem of Austin, Texas. A memorial service will be held on November 11, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Trinity United Methodist Church, 235 Lark Street in Albany. Contributions in memory of Dr. Tibbetts may be made to the Alzheimer's Association NENY, 85 Watervliet Avenue, Albany, NY 12206-2083.