Passing of Life Member Ralph Satterfield

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Ralph G. Satterfield

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph Satterfield, who passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 88. Ralph was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Born in Dover, Delaware on August 16, 1936, Ralph was the son of the late Ralph H. and Margaret (Hopkins) Satterfield. He attended Lake Forrest High School. Ralph spent much of his career working for International Playtex, Inc., where he held the position of Quality Assurance Supervisor and served them as the Fire Chief, Playtex Fire Brigade at Plant 3 in Dover Delaware for over 35 years.  After retiring Ralph worked selling souvenirs at Dover International Raceway and working for the Town of Magnolia.

Ralph enjoyed simple pleasures like smoking his pipe, boating, fishing, crabbing, working in his vegetable garden and serving the community through the fire service. Ralph joined the fire service at the age of 19 and served Frederica Volunteer Fire Company and Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company.

During his time at the Frederica Volunteer Fire Company, Ralph held positions such as Fire Recorder, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Chief, and President.  He joined the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company in May 1961. At the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, since July 1, 1986, Ralph has served as the Insurance Administrator and the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Pension Plan Administrator. His contributions include being a member of the Board of Directors, Fire Prevention, Membership, and History Committees. Additionally, he has represented the Kent County Firefighter Association as a Board Director and served as Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company Delegate to the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter Association Annual Convention since 1962.  

Ralph's dedication has been recognized with several awards: Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company Firefighter of the Year in 1969, 1975, 1989, and 2014, and Kent County Firefighter’s Association Firefighter of the Year in 2016. In May 2017, Ralph was honored by being inducted into the DelMarVa Volunteer Firemen’s Association Hall of Fame.

In addition to his parents, Ralph is preceded in death by his brother Frederick Satterfield; his daughters Sharon Satterfield and Tracy Hobbs; granddaughter Karen Connelly and grandson Kris Yerkie.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Edith M. (Smithers) Satterfield; his daughter, Connie Satterfield; his grandchildren, Tina Yearsley, Terri Tucker and Dale Connelly; and great granddaughters, Amy Tucker and Raven Wasser. All of whom he shared many cherished memories.

In lieu of Flowers, the family would like to suggest donations be made to Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company P.O. Box 55 Magnolia, DE  19962.

A funeral service will take place on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus Street, Dover, DE.  Visitation will take place starting at 11:00am followed by a service at 1:00pm.  Interment will take place at Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Frederica, DE, followed by a gathering at Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company.

Though Ralph may no longer walk among us, the fire he carried in his heart will never be extinguished.  His memory will live on in all the lives he touched, the lessons he taught and the spirit of service he inspired in so many.

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