Ralph A. Poirier

Waltham – Mr. Ralph A. Poirier, of Waltham, formerly of Lexington, died Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at Wingate at Reading. He was 87.

Ralph was born in Cambridge, a son of the late Robert and Florence (Schering) Poirier. He was raised and educated in Lexington where he left high school to serve with the United States Navy during World War II. In 2001 the town held a special ceremony to honor the service of Ralph and two of his classmates and officially awarded them their diplomas.

Until his retirement he owned and operated Auto Parts Inc. of Arlington. Ralph was also a longtime member of the Watertown Yacht Club.

He leaves his children, Mark R. Poirier and his wife, Patricia, of York, Maine and Ralph S. 'Butch' Poirier and his wife, Judith, of Reading; his brother, Robert Poirier of Florida; 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was also a brother of the late Dorothy Dollard.

Family and friends will honor and remember Ralph's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, November 30th, from 5 to 8 p.m. and again at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday morning when his funeral service will be held. Burial will follow in Westview Cemetery, Lexington.

Memorial donations may be made to the Waltham Council on Aging, 488 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02452.