DUNKIRK – Ralph F. Dayton, age 78, Dunkirk, died Monday morning at home after a long illness.  Born in Portland on May 20, 1937, he grew up in Dunkirk and was a 1955 graduate of Dunkirk High School.  He went to work at Kerr Glass (now Ardagh) and worked there for 45 years until retiring in 1999.  Ralph also trained quarter horses and thoroughbred racing horses for several years.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and mushroom hunting.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Felita Dayton; three daughters: Deb Dayton, California, Teresa Calvert (husband: George), Dunkirk, and Shari Van Nuland (husband: Brian), Dunkirk; a sister: Sheila Hopper (husband: Chester), Portland; grandchildren: Brandi, Holly, Dustin, and Natalie; seven great-grandchildren, a niece, and a nephew.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph H. & Juanita Dayton, and his son: Dennis Dayton.

Visiting hours will be held from 12 until 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, at Meacham Funeral Service, Albany.

Services will begin at 4 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with burial following at the Dunkirk I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

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