Ralph Vernon Hammond, 87, of Oswego, IL and a longtime resident of Wheaton, IL found his place in Heaven on the 21st of June, 2011. He was born on October 3, 1923 in Cambridge, Ohio.

Ralph began his career with AT&T in 1941 at the age of 17. After many relocations, Ralph established his family home in Wheaton, IL in 1968 and worked his remaining years with AT&T in Chicago. He retired in 1981 after 40 years of service. In early years he enjoyed camping, golfing, and yard work. In later years, when able, enjoyed "working out" at the Y, eating out, and grilling. Ralph should be remembered for his kind, generous, and caring nature. He was a "grandpa" to many. He was also very proud of the time he spent honoring our country as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during WWII, and his 65 year commitment to the Masons as a 32nd degree Scottish Rite.

Most importantly, Ralph should be remembered as a family man; a loving husband, a devoted father, a dedicated grandfather, and an inspiring great grandfather. Our Papa will be deeply missed. He will forever live on in our hearts, he was the patriarch of our family; therefore, we will never be the same.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nathalie, his twin daughters, Melanie Barbanera and Melinda Pusey, two granddaughters, Carrie (Mike) Mortimer and Kellie Allen, 4 great-grandsons, Matthew, Brady, Bryce and Justin and 1 step great-granddaughter, Cadi. He also has one remaining sibling, Elaine King.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Clarence, his brother James Hammond, and his sister Alberta Brown.

Visitation will be held on Sat., June 25, 2011 at Hultgren Funeral Home in Wheaton, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. A memorial service will follow immediately at 12 p.m. at the funeral home for anyone who would like to attend.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.