Obituary of Ralph Vernet

Ralph Ambos Vernet, a mechanical engineer for the US Army, passed away at the Winchester Hospital on Wednesday morning, October 31, 2007. He was 81 years old. Ralph was born in Somerville, MA, the son of the late George and Lily Vernet. He grew up in Melrose and Malden. He graduated from Malden High School and Northeastern University, where he received an engineering degree. He served in the Navy as a Seaman Second Class during WW II. He was stationed on the USS Sierra, USS John W. Thomason, and USS Praire. He was the recipient of the WW II Victory Medal, American Area Theatre Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal. He was very proud of his time in the military. Ralph worked for 37 years a civilian contractor for the US Army. He worked a mechanical engineer in the Army’s Research Labs in Natick, MA. He designed and tested parachutes used by the Army. Ralph had a number of interests when not working. He had his pilot’s license and owned his own plane. He loved to share his passion for aviation with his family and friends. A trip to the beach was a little more special, if you went by plane. Ralph loved working with tools and could fix almost anything. He was very active in the Fellowship Bible Church. He volunteered his time at the church recording services, doing maintenance, and serving lunches to the seniors. Ralph was the husband of Kimba T. (Ho) Vernet. He was the loving father of Lanson & her husband Jay Johnson of Littleton, CO, Binh Vernet & his wife Suzanne of Londonderry, NH, and Nicole Vernet & her fiancée, Justin Reed, of Evanston, IL. He was the brother of the late George and Reginald. He was the proud grandfather of Clifford & Ralphial Bragg, Alyssa, Ashley, Alexandra, and Beau Vernet. Funeral services will be held at the Fellowship Bible Church on Monday, November 5, at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be served following the service. Interment in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn at 1:30 p.m. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. Memorials in Ralph’s name may be made to the Fellowship Bible Church, 71 Center St., Burlington, MA 01803.