Ralph I. Sewall

Ralph I. Sewall of Teaticket, MA, March 27, 2025, born and raised in Needham, MA.  Ralph spent his career in the heavy equipment industry, he was a sales representative for Caterpillar, John Deere, and Case Equipment.  He travelled the country and the world. Through work and leisure, he visited every state in the United States.  Known as Ralphie to his friends and family and Papa to his grandchildren, Ralph has a large and extended family who he loved spending time with, whether it be hosting a gathering on the Cape or enjoying the Cottage in Northwood, NH. Ralph was a true gentleman and was rarely seen without a smile. Whether greeting an old friend or making a new acquaintance, when asked how he himself was doing the response was always “Never Better.” Ralph spent years in search of the perfect Mai Tai, ultimately crafting and bottling his own to the delight of family and friends with whom he shared his creation.

Ralph was extremely involved in Freemasonry and met many dear and longtime friends through the craft.   He was a Past Master of both Norfolk Lodge in Needham, the Master’s Lodge, Needham, and a member of Marine Lodge of Falmouth.  He served the Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, and was awarded the Henry Price Medal.  He was Commander-in-Chief of Massachusetts Consistory A.A.S.R. Valley of Boston (1994-1997), and was conferred a Sovereign Grand Inspector General 33°, Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America, in Boston, Massachusetts, (1996).  He was a member of Saint Bernard Commandry #12 Knights Templar in Boston for 50 years. 

He was predeceased by his first wife, Judith (Vara) Sewall, his daughter, Jennifer E. Sprusansky, and his second wife, Carol A. (Gilooly) Sewall.   He is survived by his children, David S. Sewall and his wife Cindy of Needham, Timothy R. Gaughran of Woonsocket, RI, Diane Gaughran, of Bellingham, Linda J. Downey and husband Scott of Frankin, Michael P. Gaughran and his wife, Michelle of Franklin, and son-in-law, Stephen Sprusansky of Derry, NH.  His grandchildren, Jessica, Matthew, Amanda, Brian, Julia, Madison, Nicholas, and Josselyn.  His great grandchildren, Benjamin and Arlouise.  His brothers, Frederick L. Sewall and Brian R. Sewall and his wife, Deborah all of Needham.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to Ralph’s friends, neighbors, and his Masonic family for all the love and support they gave to him. The family also wishes to thank the Doctors and Nurses at Falmouth hospital for their care and compassion.

Visiting hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Thursday, April 10th from 4-7pm. A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 1132 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Friday April 11th at 11AM. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s name may be made to one of the Scottish Rite Charities, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of your choice, P.O. Box 519, Lexington, MA 02420 or Community Health Center of Cape Cod, 107 Commercial Street, Mashpee, MA 02649. 

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