Ralph H. Caldwell

Ralph H. Caldwell                    “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”

COUDERSPORT, PA---Ralph “Rocky” Henry Caldwell, age 90, passed away on May 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on May 15, 1935, in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, to William and Ruby Bradley Caldwell. 

Following his graduation from high school in Coudersport, Ralph proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 1, 1952. He completed basic training in Sampson, New York, followed by technical training in Cheyenne, Wyoming. During his 20 years of service, Ralph was stationed in Japan, where he married his former wife, Alicia, and together they welcomed six children: Ruby, Chris, twins David and Dean, Pattie, and Michael.

 Ralph also served at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. for six years with a crypto clearance and later at the Finance Center in Denver, Colorado. He completed a one-year tour in Vietnam and received numerous medals and honors throughout his military career, including the Bronze Star. He retired from the United States Air Force on September 1, 1972, with the rank of Technical Sergeant. 

While serving in Washington, D.C., Ralph also worked at Ralph’s Market. After relocating to Denver, he worked for many years at King Soopers, where he met the love of his life, Margaret Blake. Ralph and Margaret were married on December 16, 1979. 

In 1981, Ralph and Margaret returned to his hometown of Coudersport, Pennsylvania, along with Margaret’s two children, Angela and Jason, whom Ralph lovingly adopted as his own. Together, Ralph and Margaret built a colorful and adventurous life filled with hard work, creativity, and deep love for one another. Over the years, they owned and operated several local businesses, including Caldwell’s Corner of Collectibles, Caldwell’s Office Products, and Rocky’s Pool Hall. 

The couple later spent several years back in Colorado, where Ralph worked as a store manager for Edgewater Office Products, and later in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he managed the furniture department for Office Depot. 

Ralph was a proud patriot who loved his country deeply and carried immense pride in his military service. He was known for being honest, strong-willed, hardworking, and deeply devoted to the people he loved. He never hesitated to speak his mind, stood firmly by his word, and loved with his whole heart.

 One of Ralph’s proudest accomplishments was helping design and build the Coudersport Veterans Memorial Wall. He spent countless hours working alongside the Coudersport Historical Society, researching and compiling the names of local veterans and encouraging community members to contribute names from the Coudersport School District so they could be properly honored and remembered.

Ralph enjoyed antiques, bowling, refinishing furniture, and working alongside Margaret on home remodeling and design projects. Together they shared a passion for restoring beauty in the things around them. He also took great pride in caring for his lawn and mowing the many acres of their home in Hebron Township. 

Surviving, besides his beloved wife Margaret, are his children: Chris (Patsy) Caldwell, Dean (Cheri) Caldwell, Mike Caldwell, Jason (Kasandra) Caldwell, Pattie (Elmer) Hamann, and Angela Caldwell; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ernie, Charlie, James “Odell”, William “Junior”, Herb, and Frank Caldwell; his sisters, Helen Walters and Geneva Runyan; his son David Caldwell; his daughter Ruby Wilgus; Ruby’s infant son, Michael O’Hara; and his granddaughter, Erika Rae Hamann. 

Ralph will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his service to his country, his fierce loyalty, and the lasting impact he left on the community he loved so deeply.

Family and friends may gather from 1pm to 2pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Coudersport Gospel Tabernacle, 420 US 6, Coudersport where funeral services will follow at 2pm with his son, Associate Pastor Jason P. Caldwell of Fire on the Mountain Fellowship, Bradford, officiating. Burial will be in Eulalia Cemetery, Coudersport.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ralph’s name may be made to UPMC Cole Home Health and Hospice, 102-108 S. Main Street, Coudersport, PA 16915

Ralph entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Ralph, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.