Obituary of Ralph Theodore Werner

Ralph Theodore Werner of Salem, NH passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 20, 2023, at age 60 after a long battle with CNS Lymphoma.

Ralph was born on October 28, 1963, in New Hyde Park, New York to Helmut and Stefanie Werner. Ralph moved to Windham, New Hampshire with his family at age 7 where he attended Windham elementary and junior high schools followed by high school at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH. He spent many summers on Lake Winnipesaukee with family, enjoying fishing, swimming, boating and discovering his love for the outdoors.

Ralph was a true Granite Stater and never wandered far. As an adult, he lived in many different towns in New Hampshire including Salem, Hampton, Nottingham and New Durham as he built his construction business, RTW Exteriors. Initially, he specialized in siding and window installation as well as decks and general exterior renovations. Eventually, Ralph expanded to building custom homes which were built with the attention to detail rarely encountered. He was a genuine craftsman and collaborated on many different projects with his father, Ted. 

Ralph was a giving person, always wanting to share with those who were less fortunate. He would always help out a friend with food, his labor, or whatever money he could spare even during his own difficult times. He spent many days helping his parents during their own battles with health issues, helping maintain their home or taking them to appointments.

In his free time, Ralph took opportunities to enjoy his primary love of fishing along with other outdoor adventures in hiking, camping, boating and snowmobiling. In general, Ralph was happiest outside and loved a good campfire around which he often spent time with friends and family.  He also enjoyed cooking, often sharing recipes with his family.

Ralph is survived by his mother Stefanie Werner, his sister Janet Cathcart, his brother and sister-in-law Ron and Patricia, and his nephews Brendan Cathcart and Andrew Cathcart, and Andrew's son Hayden.  Ralph is preceded in death by his father Helmut "Ted" Werner earlier this year.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, December 2nd at 11:00, with funeral services to begin at 11:45 at Brookfield Funeral Home 786 Federal Rd. Brookfield, CT.  Burial to follow in New Milford Center Cemetery.  There will be a remembrance gathering Sunday, December 3 in Massachusetts, please contact the family for details.