Bruce Ralston

Bruce Ralston, 80, of Manchester, son of the late William H. and Beatrice (Swan) Ralston, died Thursday, April 21, 2016 following a lengthy illness. Bruce is survived by his wife of 25 years, Dorothy Lynn (Borst) Ralston. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son and daughter, Barry Ralston and his wife Carolyn of Hebron, and Barbara-Jo Ralston of Easthampton, MA. He was also predeceased by a son, Scott Bruce Ralston. His six grandchildren are: Hunter, Spencer, Jake, and Shannon Ralston, Bristol Sternfield, and Matthew Anan; and his three great-grandchildren are Cole Ralston, Bear and Raleigh Mousaw. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws and extended family.
Bruce was born in Cranston, RI, on March 17, 1936. He was raised in Rhode Island, and served from 1956 to 1962 in the Air Force, stationed in Colorado. He returned to Connecticut and resided for many years in Glastonbury before coming to Manchester twenty years ago. He was a former co-owner of Quality Name Plate in Glastonbury where he worked from 1968 until his retirement in 2000.
Bruce was a long time member and a past-president of the Glastonbury Rotary Club, a member of the Bolton High School Booster Club and the Bolton Scholarship Committee, and was a faithful member of the Bolton Congregational Church. He was also an avid supporter of Bolton High athletics, seldom missing a game.
Bruce was a man of action. No one had to point out what needed to be done, and often times he created new avenues for others to explore their own potential. He made friends easily wherever he was, and was blessed by all of their love and care throughout his long illness.
Besides his parents and son, Bruce was also predeceased by his brother, Rodney Ralston, his stepmother, Jane (Walker) Ralston, and his children's mother, Barbara (Coles) Ralston.
Visiting hours for family and friends are Wednesday, April 27, from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bolton Congregational Church , 228 Bolton Center Rd, Bolton, CT 06043.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Bolton Congregational Church Memorial Fund or to a charity of the donor's choice. To leave a message for his family, please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com .


Visitation DetailsWednesday, April 27th, 2016 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Holmes Funeral Home
Service DetailsThursday, May 26th, 2016 11:00am, Bolton Congregational Church