Obituary of Ralph Osgood Wells, Jr.

MOUNTAIN LAKES---Ralph Osgood Wells, Jr. died peacefully on Monday, October 10, 2011 at Blaire House of Milford, Milford, MA following a brief illness. He was 95. Born in New York, NY on July 11, 1916, he lived most of his life in Mountain Lakes before moving to Mendon, MA four years ago to be with his family. Mr. Wells was the owner and president of the family business, Wells Rug Cleaning Service, Morristown for 38 years before retiring in 1984. He was a graduate of Morristown High School and served with the U.S. Army during World War II. As a long-time resident of Mountain Lakes, Ralph served on the Appearance Committee and was an active member of the Senior Citizens group there. He was an avid gardener who enjoyed landscaping and gardening in his own, as well as his neighbors' yards. Ralph was every dog's friend and always had treats available for his canine visitors. He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Osgood Wells, Sr. and Florence (Underhill) Wells, his sister Susan A. (Wells) Lang, her husband John R. Lang and his nephew, William Ralph Lang. He is survived by his niece, Jane E. Metzger of Mendon, MA, with whom he lived; his great nephew Richard A. Metzger and his wife Donna and their daughters, Melinda and Megan; his great niece, Kimberly Engblom and her husband Ronald R. and their sons, Billy and Joshua. Aside from his immediate family he also leaves many loving friends and neighbors. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 15th at 10:00 A.M. at The Community Church, Mountain Lakes with interment to follow at Restland Memorial Park, East Hanover. Friends may call Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Mackey Funeral Home (mackeyfh.com), 107 Essex Ave., Boonton. Memorial contributions in Ralph's name may be made to either the Lake Drive Foundation for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children, 10 Lake Dr., Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046 ( www.lakedrivefoundation.org/donate) or The Community Church, 48 Braircliff Rd., Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046 ( www.mtnlakesucc.org). Envelopes will be available at the funeral home