RAYMOND — Ralph A. Estes, 85, of Raymond, passed away on Friday, Aug. 12, 2011, after a long illness. Born in Lynn, Mass., his family moved to Pittsfield, where he attended Maine Central Institute. In 1943 he joined the Navy where he was a radio operator and tail gunner in a TBF Avenger participating in many Pacific operations. He graduated from Capitol Radio Engineering Institute in Washington, D.C., specializing in TV Engineering. He worked for Grumman Aircraft in New York and later at WMTW-TV as an engineer and weatherman on top of Mt. Washington. He retired as Chief Engineer from WGME TV in Portland, in 1985.

Ralph kept active with many hobbies including electronics, ham radio, dancing and astronomy, as well as running, having qualified and ran in the Boston Marathon. He was an active member of the American Legion in Naples.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers; a son, Stanley Estes; and a stepson, Charles E. Davis III. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Barbara Estes, of Raymond; sons, Joseph Estes, and William Estes; daughter, Jackie Estes; stepchildren, Robert Davis, Sally Emond, Susan Davis and Lee Adams-Roberts; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Oct. 22, 2011, at 1 p.m., at the American Legion Hall in Naples.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion in Naples.