H. Ralph Parsons, age 85, of Port Charlotte, FL, formerly of Elba, NY, passed away on April 17, 2026, after a year-long battle with cancer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Susanne (Herrick) Parsons; daughter, Sherri (Bill) Lyons; son, Scott Parsons (Catherine Brokaw); sister, Winona Stiegler; grandson, Matthew Moscato; step-granddaughter, Abby (Kyle) Lyons; step-great-granddaughter, Oakley Lyons; nephews, Stephen (Susan) Stiegler; Larry (Sara) Stiegler; David (Deborah) Parsons; and Keith (Lisa) Parsons; and niece, Karen Clark. He was predeceased by his parents, Earle L. and Beatrice (Bernauer) Parsons; his brothers, E. Leo (Mary Ellen) Parsons and Kenneth Parsons; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Russell and Cynthia Herrick.

Ralph was born in Batavia, NY, on November 3, 1940, to Earle L. and Beatrice (Bernauer) Parsons.

He was a man who rarely stood still. Ralph’s strong work ethic was clear from an early age. As a grade school student, he raised a flock of 12 chickens and sold eggs to his teachers. In his teenage years, he worked on a nearby farm, caring for cows before school each morning. After school, he remained active in sports, participating in football, cross country, and swimming, while still returning each evening to fulfill his responsibilities on the farm. Ralph graduated from Oakfield Alabama Central School in 1960.

His first job out of school was with Ryan-DeWitt Corp. in Batavia, NY. He later worked at the Batavia Treadway Inn as Superintendent of Maintenance, followed by positions at a Treadway Inn in Niagara Falls, NY, and the Treadway Thousand Islands Club and Golf Course on Wellesley Island in Alexandria Bay, NY, where he served as Superintendent of Maintenance and Groundskeeper of the golf course. After 10 years there, he returned to Batavia and began a 24-year career at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, NY, working 24/7 shifts. He faithfully commuted 70 miles round-trip so his children could attend a smaller, better school.

Ralph enjoyed boating, golfing (even when it tested his patience), gardening, and going to the gym three times a week. He was a devoted and loving father who instilled in his children the enduring values of respect, loyalty, and hard work. He was always willing to help family and friends. His love for his family was unwavering, and they will deeply miss him.

Calling hour will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Roberson Funeral Home, 2151 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL, from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm. A brief service will be held from 2:45 pm to 3:00 pm. Burial will be held in New York in his native Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Ralph’s name to Tidewell Hospice, 1158 Veronica Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.