Ralph was raised in New Jersey and was a graduate of Penns Grove High School. He continued his education at Houghton College, earning is bachelors in1965. He was a service minded individual and was very active in the faith ministries in Allegany County: he was the first executive director of Allegany County Youth for Christ (YFC) where he served for 45 years, eventually transitioning to Southern Tier YFC. With his family, he would lead the annual YFC trip to the Ocean City Conference, and for over 20 years lead the YFC mission trips to Haiti, with as many as 35 children. Additionally, he established the YFC Skate Park and Drop In Center in the Rockwell building. Outside of YFC, his ministry included a close relationship with Gill’s Hills to help troubled children, interimpastor for the Christian Temple, the Congregational Church, and the Hallsport Community Church. Extending his service, he was a chairman of the County Youth Board for many years, a Chaplin for Jones Memorial Hospital, volunteer counselor at Wellsville Central School, a member of the Wellsville Exchange Club, and was a very involved member of his home church, Brookside Wesleyan. He also enjoyed vintage cars.
In addition to his wife of 55 years, Chris, he is survived by: two children, Matt (Adriana) Eastlack of Hamlin, NY and Josh Eastlack of Slidell, LA; grandchildren, Maddy, Colin, Adyn, Jayden, and Hailey; and son-in-law, Doug Ryan; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Julie Ryan; and two brothers, Wayne Eastlack and Casper Farrow.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Brookside Wesleyan Church, 3469 Andover Road, Wellsville, NY. Please consider memorial donations to Family Life, 7634 County Road 14, Bath, NY 14810. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .
Such a sweet giving person
ReplyDeleteCondolences to the family.
ReplyDeleteRalph led the 1985 mission trip to Haiti. It was called, To love is to serve. While on that trip I met my lifelong best friend, decided to move to Wellsville, worked at YFC, enrolled in Houghton College and met my future husband.
ReplyDeleteRalph was a great boss, good friend and mentor. It is not an exaggeration to state the tremendous influence his life, dedication to the gospel, service and compassionate pastoring had on my life and thousands of people from Allegany County to the nation's. Much love to the Eastlack family.
I so enjoyed growing up with the whole Eastlack family. They all have kind servant hearts.
ReplyDeleteI remember Ralph from early childhood on til recent he was a great man great minister and always someone I found a joy to talk to. He will truly be missed and my heart goes out to the family.
ReplyDeleteNicest man ever ! Always there if you needed anything!
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to the family. I have many fond memories of Ralph from my years in YFC. He was a kind, generous man who had a a wonderful influence on many young people. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to the family. I have many fond memories of Ralph from my years in YFC. He was a kind and generous man and he had a wonderful influence on many young people. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteHello. I am 67 years old. When I saw the name, I thought, I know this name. As I read the obituary I remembered! I was YFC in 1975ish. Thank you for thge guidence
ReplyDeleteI have many memories of Mr. Eastlack growing up and attending church. We were blessed to have him christening my daughter . He will be missed. Prayers for the family.
ReplyDeleteThis is terrible news. Really great guy. I really struggled as a teen. I had some real issues. I was very fond of him and he had a really strong influence on me. He was very generous and kind. Utmost respectful person. It doesn't matter how much time goes by you can always remember that smile and laugher that he brought to the conversation. Strong but warm character, someone that everybody could trust with the hard things in life. An excellent counselor. Made you feel like there was hope when you just felt like it was time to give up. He will definitely be missed.
ReplyDeleteMr. Eastlack was such a beloved member of our community and such a well-known man for all his accomplishments. I can’t believe they’re not having a proper funeral for him. That’s very sad and disappointing. Rest in peace, our friend!
ReplyDeletepraying for chris as you begin this new journey.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear the news of Ralph’s passing. I remember his words and his kind demeanor. My condolences to the family.
ReplyDeleteI’m thinking of and praying for you all… Chris, Matt, Josh… Ralph was the man who first introduced me to Jesus! Led me in my prayer, and baptized me. I will always be so grateful. What a wonderful man, and I’m so thankful to have known him. Free indeed now!!
ReplyDeleteRalph impacted the lives of so many people across the Southern Tier. His long and diverse ministry has greatly increased the size of Heaven.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Ralph well. I knew him in the "ancient" days when we affectionately called him Tucker. But in the few times I was with him, from so many years ago, I remember him as an inspiring example of unwavering faith, kindness and love (and always a smile). Sending condolences to the Eastlack family and beyond.
ReplyDeleteDear Chris & Family,
ReplyDeleteWe were saddened to read about Ralph’s passing. He was well liked and respected by all of his “Bus Garage” family. Arnold had the privilege of knowing him better when he helped Ralph maintain the YFC buses. Somewhere along the line Ralph gave Arnold the nickname of McGiver.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. May God bless and comfort you.
Linda & Arnold Hurd
Ralph-Tucker and I became close friends way back in the late 50s, at Wesley Grove camp. He gifted me a small bible, and wrote in the back " To Wally, my best friend at camp and everywhere ". He and the entire Eastlack family welcomed me into their home and lives, all these years still, with LOVE and true Christian values.
ReplyDeleteDear Chris and family
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Ralph. Wish I could have met up with classmates in past. Ralph had a full life caring for people. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Love 💕 Steve & Lorraine Baker/Szilagyi