Ralph L. Foulks passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Masonic Home at age 98. Ralph’s life revolved around a strong devotion to his family, country, community and Roman Catholic faith.

Ralph was born on October 24, 1924 to parents Arthur and Emma Foulks of Florence, New Jersey. He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Virginia (Nee: Poole) and his son Ralph D. Foulks, siblings Ruth Conley, Naomi Mullenax, and Arthur Foulks.

He is survived by sibling Mary Paglione, daughter-in-law Carol Sozio Foulks, sons James (Deborah) Foulks and David (JoAnn) Foulks, daughter Nancy (James) Karwacki, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Grandchildren include Kelly (Michael) Medwick, Megan Habeck, Heather (Michael) Yack, Robyn (Joseph) Ivanisik, Rebecca (Nick) Brown, Elizabeth Karwacki, James (Anna) Karwacki, and Jessica (Russell) Bordeaux.

Ralph was proud to have several great-grandchildren, including James Buonanno; Evangeline Habeck; Liam Yack; Nathanael Medwick; Gweneth Yack, Joseph Ivanisik; Ava Ivanisik; Virginia, Henry and Lily Karwacki; and Brooklyn Bordeaux.

Ralph’s military career began following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, when he immediately attempted to enlist in the US Navy. Since he was still a few months shy of his 18th birthday, he had to wait until he received his draft papers before joining the war effort. He entered the naval aviation school where he trained as a radio operator and gunner on various combat aircraft.

On April 7, 1945, Ralph’s flight group participated in the historic attack on the battleship Yamato, at that time the largest vessel of its type in the Japanese navy. His SB2C Helldiver took off from the USS Hornet and was shot down as it made its bombing run on the Yamato, but he and his pilot were rescued several days after crashing into the sea. Ralph was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Ralph published his autobiography in 2021 at age 96. While also serving as a police officer, volunteer firefighter and member of the Knights of Columbus, he remained deeply interested in veterans’ issues throughout his life. Despite his fierce pride in serving his country, he held a long-standing hope that the principles of Christian faith would one day help make armed conflicts between nations unnecessary.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 15 at 9:00 AM at Dennison Funeral Home (214 West Front Street, Florence, NJ 08518) followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM, Holy Assumption Church (Part of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish), 1290 Hornberger Avenue Roebling, NJ 08554. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ralph’s memory to the Florence American Legion Post 194, 601 Broad Street, Florence, NJ 08518. Please visit htlayton.com to leave a note of condolence to his family. Arrangements are by the H.T. Layton Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Woodstown.