Ralph C. Dandignac

Ralph C. Dandignac, 94, of Delhi, NY, passed away at home on September 8, 2026.

Ralph was born on April 4, 1932, in Queens, NY, to Edward and Viola (Welsch) Dandignac. When Ralph was a teenager, his family moved to Treadwell, NY, where they began farming. Ralph graduated from A.L. Kellogg School in 1951. In 1954, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1956.

Ralph married Phyllis Emrich, on September 28, 1957. They would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary later this month.

Together, Ralph and Phyllis raised their three children, Sandra, David, and Steven, in Delhi. Ralph worked for the New York State Department of Transportation, often working countless hours of overtime to provide for his family. He retired in 1996.

Ralph was an avid bowler and golfer and had a sweet sense of humor that brought smiles to those around him. His contagious chuckle was one of the many things his family will always remember. He was always willing to lend a hand, especially when it came to his children’s and grandchildren’s 4-H projects. Ralph and Phyllis enjoyed gardening together and for decades, operated their own maple syrup business.

Ralph and Phyllis enjoyed traveling and made many wonderful memories, visiting friends and family throughout the years. Some of their favorite trips included traveling to Germany to visit their son Steven while he was stationed there, as well as cruises to Alaska and Jamaica. They also enjoyed many trips to Pennsylvania to visit their son David, his wife Lourdes, and their family.

Ralph was a dedicated member of the Delhi Fire Department for more than 50 years, where he held numerous positions including Assistant Chief. He was always one to respond when the call came in. His family will forever remember the sound of his pager going off during family gatherings and events. Even in his later years, Ralph continued to support the department by responding when he could, assisting the crew, and helping at department dinners. His commitment to the fire department and his community was a source of great pride.

Ralph was also a member of the Odd Fellows organization and the Delhi American Legion Post.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Viola Dandignac; his siblings, Edward, Robert, and Virginia; his sons, David and Steven Dandignac; and his son-in-law, Daniel Mokay.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his daughter, Sandra Mokay of Delhi, NY; daughters-in-law, Lorri Dandignac of Oneida, NY, and Lourdes Dandignac of Selbyville, DE; and his grandchildren, Stacey (Don) Sulger, Ryan (Nikki) Dandignac, Rachelle (Brian) Rogers, Bradley Dandignac, Mitchell Dandignac, Kristen Dandignac, Raquel Allinger, Diana Allinger, and Nick Allinger. Ralph also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, Dylan, Sage, Kyler, Beckett, Emmy, Mila, and Rayne, who brought him great joy.

A prayer service along with fireman’s honors and military honors will be held at 1PM on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at the Delhi Fire Department, followed by a celebration of Ralph’s life and reception at the Delhi Fire Department Hall until 4PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to the Delhi Fire Department, 140 Delview Terrace Extension, Delhi, NY 13753

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Delhi Fire Department, Delhi EMS, and the staff at O’Connor Hospital for their exceptional care and support over the last several months. The family is also grateful to Helios, Ralph and Phyllis’s home health aides, and their neighbors, who were always there for them and offered kindness, care, and support when it was needed most.

Ralph will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his 94 years.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Ralph’s family.