Ralph McKown Tencate, Jr., age 75, of Russell Pa. and formerly of Uniontown, died Friday, November 20, 2009 surrounded by his family at the Rouse Estates of Youngsville Pa., where he had been a resident for the past two years. He was born July 26, 1934, in Uniontown, Pa., son of the late Ralph M. Tencate, Sr. and Mary O. King Tencate. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by an infant son, Mark Allen Tencate.
Ralph graduated from South Union High School Class of 1952. He attended Penn State University.
Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in Aug. of 1955 and completed basic training and basic engineering training at Fort Knox, Ky. He was an expert marksman. Ralph was placed on active duty in Aug. of 1956, promoted to specialist 4, and assigned to Bravo Company, 4th Missile Battalion, 3rd Artillery, NikeAjax Missile Site in Franklin, Mich. In Nov. of 1958, Ralph was released from active duty and placed back on ready reserve until he was honorably discharged in Oct. of 1962.
Ralph began his career working for his father at Keystone Motors in Uniontown, Pa. He then did surveying work for the department of transportation until he began working for Beneficial Finance Company. He was transferred to their Warren branch in 1965. A few years later, Ralph began working for the former Warren National Bank until he left as manager of the east side office in 1978 to work for Roma Homes in Mt. Jewett, Pa. In the early eighties, Ralph went to work for Community Consumer Loan Company in Warren until the business was sold to Northwest and he became the assistant manager of Northwest Consumer Discount Company. Ralph retired in 1998.
Ralph was a 50 year member of Laurel Lodge No. 651 Free & Accepted Masons. Ralph was also a 30 year member of The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He was also lifetime member of the Pine Grove Sportsman's Association.
Ralph was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman. He enjoyed camping and traveling. He had the opportunity to explore all 50 states as well as nine of the 13 of the Canadian territories and providences.
Ralph is survived by his wife Julie Fike Tencate whom he married on April 15, 2000. Also a daughter Jamie Tencate Hasbrouck and husband Laurence, Warren; stepgranddaughter Raeanne Hasbrouck; a son Michael Tencate, South Carolina; a stepdaughter Jamie Salapek Lindemuth and husband Jay, Russell; stepgrandson Gavin Lindemuth; a stepson Jesse Salapek, Warren and stepgranddaughter Logan Grove.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Peterson-Blick Funeral Home, Inc. Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at the Rouse Home Activities Room, Youngsville, Pa. from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. followed by a service celebrating Ralph's life at 5p.m. with the Reverend Marcus Briggs officiating. A Masonic service will be held at 4:45.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to Pine Grove Sportsman's Club, Egypt Hollow Road, Russell, Pa.; Hospice of Warren, 2 Crescent Park, Warren, Pa.; The Friends of the Rouse, 701 Rouse Ave., Youngsville, Pa.
