Info Sheet / Obit - Ralph W. "Sandy" Sandmeyer, Jr.
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Ralph (Dusty) Sandmeyer Jr. passed away at home surrounded by his family on May 13, 2020 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born October 23, 1946, Dusty grew up in Cornwall, Connecticut where he lived most of his life. As a boy, he attended Rumsey Hall School and later Kent School. In 1968, he joined the Army and fought in the Vietnam war as a helicopter pilot, rising to the rank of Captain. During his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star in addition to numerous other commendations. Upon returning home, Dusty enrolled at the University of Hartford, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He married his wife Sandy in 1978 and soon welcomed their daughters Kate and Kira.
After graduating with an MBA from Babson College, Dusty returned to Cornwall where he started a business, Northwest Lumber and Hardware. Over the next 20 years he built a successful company. Never content to sit back in an office all day, you could often find him sweeping the stoop of the store, loading trucks for deliveries, or talking to customers. He was an active member of the Cornwall community, involved in many town organizations and boards. As a long-time member of the United Church of Christ in Cornwall, he loved singing in the choir. After retirement, Dusty and Sandy traveled the world together and spent winters at their home in Nokomis, FL. He was beloved by all who knew him.
Dusty is survived by his wife Sandy, daughters Kate Ward and Kira Woods, grandchildren Austin, Fallyn, Wilson, and Turner, and many close cousins. He is predeceased by his father Ralph Sandmeyer and mother Dorothy Sandmeyer and his sister Sally Jo Sandmeyer. Always patient, always generous, Dusty was cherished by his family and friends who will miss him every day.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation or United Church of Christ, Congregational in Cornwall CT. Toale Brothers Funeral Homes, Ewing Chapel, Venice, Florida is handling arrangements.
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