Ralph Horatio Grimm, a lifetime member of Aerie 871 of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Old Town, died Feb. 3, 2016 at the age of 89.
“Ralph was the longest living lifetime member of Aerie 871,” said Aerie secretary Dee Dee Hodge. “And he proudly wore his lifetime pin every day on his shirt lapel.”
Grimm grew up in the Del Ray section of Alexandria. For more than 50 years, he worked in the automotive and insurance industry before retiring from State Farm as an estimating supervisor in 1995.
“Ralph Grimm loved a good story, loved his hometown, and loved his family,” said Donald Fornoff in an online posting. “His care in doing this and his success in what he did came from his being a keen observer of human nature. He was and will remain part of the fabric of Alexandria.”
His wife of 60 years, Margaret Loretta Grimm, preceded him in death in 2015. Grimm is survived by his children, Kathleen Moriarty, Barbara Fornoff, Pamela Grimm and Christopher Grimm; daughter-in-law, Patricia Grimm; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian burial was held Feb. 9 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Old Town followed by interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alexandria Police Youth Camp, P.O. Box 25273, Alexandria, VA 22313 or online at www.alexpyc.org.