Obituary of Ralph Alan Anderson

Ralph Alan Anderson, 52, of Plymouth and formerly of 255 Lynnfield St. Peabody, Ma, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at his home in Plymouth. He was born in Peabody, MA on May 23, 1957, the son of the late Robert C. and Alice M. (Sabean) Anderson and had resided in Peabody for 44 years before going to share the homes of his sister Joyce in Peabody, his brother Paul in Ossippee, N.H., and his sister Gail in Plymouth, where he was lovingly cared for until his death. Ralph was a Downs Syndrome adult who was well known in Peabody. He attended the Farnsworth School for special needs children and participated in many activities for the mentally retarded including the Special Olympics in Danvers, MA where he received many medals. He loved to ride his bicycle along the streets of Peabody and enjoyed collecting and redeeming cans and bottles at the redemption center. He also enjoyed bowling and going to the Moose Hall parties, where he loved to dance, often giving a solo performance. He was very good at helping his father chop and stack wood. Although he was unable to read or write, he was never without a pen in his hand and a book-bag full of “homework” by his side or in his bicycle basket. He enjoyed spending time at the YMCA, where he was a member of the Leader’s Club, and often won the award for the most candy bars sold for their fundraisers. He had a special love and attachment for his late brother-in-law, Walter Silva whom he always referred to as his “coach”. He will also be sadly missed by a special friend, Lorna Bickerdyke of N.H. Ralphy was a member of the Plymouth United Methodist Church and enjoyed the socials there. He was a helpful person who enjoyed his life and asked for nothing. He was kind, generous, friendly, and funny and loving of all who knew him. He is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Gail and Peter Conner of Plymouth, MA., Joyce Silva of Peabody, Paul Anderson of Ossipee, NH, Lois Webb of Ocala, FL, Calvin Anderson of Peabody, Don Anderson of Bonners Ferry, ID, his nieces and nephews, Dawn Conner Hedgepeth of Rogers, Arkansas, David Conner of Hyde Park, MA, Rich Connor of Plymouth, Matthew and Leeanne Silva and Paul Delmonico all of Peabody, and Paul Anderson Jr. of Ossippee, NH and a host of cousins and friends. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 from 3:00 until 7:00 PM at the Conway,Cahill-Brodeur funeral home at the 82 Lynn St., Peabody facility. A Funeral Service will be held there on Monday at 11:00 AM with Rev. Stan Cushing of the Plymouth United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Those who prefer may make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472 in his memory.