Ralph E. Hallett

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ralph E. Hallett on July 24, 2026 at the age of 82.

Ralph was born on April 18,1944 in Binghamton, NY. He was a lifelong resident of the Finger Lakes area in New York.

Ralph and his wife, Diane, built a life together filled with love, laughter and adventure. Dogs were always at their side.

Spending time with family and friends, traveling the country in their RV, racing Trottingbred ponies, watching NASCAR and Gunsmoke, helping with Dream Factory Fundraisers, listening to country music, and enjoying peaceful mornings with coffee kept their days full and happy.

Ralph began his working career as a truck driver, eventually owning his own 18-wheeler trucking business. He transitioned to being a service manager at Pritchard Dodge, and concluded his working days as a valued bus driver for the Ithaca City School District.

Ralph treasured the many friendships he made over the years. Whether surrounded by friends in Upstate New York or spending time with friends in Florida, he and Diane enjoyed the conversations, enjoyed gathering to play cards and games, and embraced every laugh that always accompanied the times spent together. These friendships became an extension of his family.

Ralph will be remembered for his one-of-a-kind sense of humor, quick wit, his deep love of family, his adventurous spirit, and his amazing ability to make friends instantaneously.

His legacy will live on in the love he gave so freely, the kindness he extended daily, and the countless memories shared by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane. He also leaves behind his daughter, Michelle (Billy) Harwell; grandchildren Jennifer (Matthew) Frassrand, Chase Harwell, Arin Hallett; great grandchildren Kennedy (Joseph), Nicholas, Madison and Reese.

He was predeceased by his son, Michael Hallett.

He is also survived by his blended family, James (Alison) Ciolek, Jr., Daniel (Jaime) Ciolek, Mary (Shawn) Nadelen, Thomas (Saralyn) Ciolek and grandchildren Morgan, Andrew, Katelynn, Colin, Kamryn, Megan, Ivy, William, Adeline, Luke and Caleb.

Though he will be deeply missed, those who loved him find comfort in the life he lived and the lasting memories he leaves behind. May his journey continue in peace, and may his memory forever be a blessing.

There will be calling hours Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 11am-1pm at Perkins Funeral Home (55 West Main St., Dryden, NY 13053) with a short service to follow at 1:00pm. Respecting Ralph’s wishes, the burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Ralph’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) or Tompkins County SPCA (https://www.spcaonline.com/gifts 1640 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850).