New Hartford Ralph J. Nadeau, 91, of the Presbyterian Home passed away on Friday, June 30, 2017. Ralph was born in St. Christine, Quebec, Canada on November 10, 1925, a son of Peter and Marie Louise (Guay) Nadeau. He was a graduate of Whitesboro High School, where he was a standout athlete in basketball, football and baseball. Ralph served in the Navy on the several ships during World War II. He was awarded the Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, European Theatre Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal. On July 5, 1947 at Sacred Heart Church, Utica he was united in marriage to Eleanor Dunham. For many years until his retirement in 1982, Ralph was employed with Rome Developmental Center. He was a member of St. Thomas Church, New Hartford, American Legion Post # 1376, New Hartford and a former member of Sacred Heart Church. In his younger years, Ralph played in the Northeast Fast Pitch League, Tri-Hospital Basketball League, refereed basketball and coached Little League. Ralph is survived by his wife, Eleanor, three children, Christine Veschusio and husband, Tony, of Columbia, SC, Greg Nadeau and wife, Joanne, of Yorkville, and Jeffrey Nadeau and companion, Mara Mulligan-Roberts, of Marcy, six grandchildren, Todd Barry and wife, Chrissy, Sara Barry, Cassandra Coy, Alexis Nadeau, Rachel Nadeau and Paige Nadeau, two great grandchildren, Andrea and Tekitha, a sister-in-law, Audrey D. Durr, several nieces and nephews and a special niece, Maureen Parish, of Buffalo. Ralph was predeceased by a son, Douglas Nadeau, a daughter, Valarie Boehlert, a sister and brother-in-law, Irene and Charles Ball, and four brothers, Eugene, Armand, Roger and Renee Nadeau. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Presbyterian Residential Community and the Presbyterian Home. A special note of appreciation to Drivers: Peter, Ken and Bob for their kindness to Ralph and Eleanor. Mr. Nadeau's funeral with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at 10:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 11:00 from St. Thomas Church, New Hartford. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Monday from 4-7. Those so wishing may make donations to St. Thomas Church in Ralph's memory.