Mr. Ralph D. Shanks, 87, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 24, 2012 at his home. Ralph was born in Forestport, NY on August 28, 1924, the son of Ralph and Irene (Golden) Shanks and received his education in Forestport schools. Ralph honorably served as a Gunners Mate in the Armed Guard (US Navy) during WW II. On September 16, 1950, Ralph married Clara Mae Broedel at St. Joseph's Church in Utica. For many years, he was employed as a tool and dye maker with Kelsey Hayes Corp., retiring in 1986. Ralph was a member of Boonville Elks #2158, B.P.O.E., American Legion Whitestown Post 1113 and the US Navy Armed Guard World War II Veterans, Sampson, NY. He was also a member of the former American Legion post 1658 in Forestport and a parishioner of St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church in Utica. In his younger days, he was an avid hunter, snowmobiler, and enjoyed spending his summers camping with his wife at Fairwood Evergreen in Forestport. Mr. Shanks is survived by his beloved wife Clara Mae; niece, Janice Blum and her husband Don of Plano, TX; nephew, John Shanks and his wife Bonnie of Forestport; great nephew, Eli Blum and his wife Amanda of Cincinnati, OH; two great nieces, Cynthia Shanks and her fiancée, Jeffery Williams of Forestport and Carrie Clover and her husband Mike of Forestport; a great great niece, Kayla Clover and two great great nephews, Austin Clover and Jonathan Clover. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Patricia Shanks. Mr. Shanks' funeral will be held on Saturday July 28, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church in Utica where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. His Rite of Committal and burial will be held in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Forestport, NY. Calling hours for family and friends are Friday (today) from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica.