Ralph Wegener

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Native Staten Islander Ralph Wegener, 80, of Prince's Bay, a retired operating engineer and U.S. Army veteran who was honored with his family earlier this year at a park renaming, died Saturday in his upstate home in Sundown.

Born in Annadale, Mr. Wegener lived in Richmond Valley before moving 50 years ago to Prince's Bay, where he built his own house with the help of his brothers.

On Mr. Wegener's 80th birthday, April 11, the New York City Parks Department renamed Genesse Park in Eltingville Wegener Park, in honor of the three generations who ran a family farm there.

The Wegeners, including Mr. Wegener, who worked the farm throughout his childhood and teen years, harvested a rich bounty of vegetables, fruits and flowers for the surrounding community. The farm also served as an informal meeting place for area residents.

Mr. Wegener was an operating engineer with the New York City Department of Sanitation for 25 years, retiring in 1989

He was also known as a "master mechanic who could fix anything," his family said.

In his leisure time, Mr. Wegener enjoyed going to the South Shore Swim Club, where he was a member.

Most of all, though, he loved spending time with this family.

Mr. Wegener attended Tottenville High School.

An Army veteran of the Korean War, Mr. Wegener was a member of Beauvais-Hudson American Legion Post, Charleston.

Mr. Wegener attended St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Pleasant Plains, where he took an active role in taking care of the church building.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Joan Bischoff; a son, Gary; two daughters, Susan Hansen and Cheryl Monahan, and seven grandchildren.

Arrangements, including cremation, are being handled by Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville, with a 10 a.m. service tomorrow in St. Mark's United Methodist Church, Pleasant Plains.

Services: St. Mark's UM Church Wednesday, November 23,2011 10:00AM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Tuesday, November 22,2011 2-4 & 7-9PM

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ralph's name would be appreciated to: St. Mark's UM Church OR Grahamsville First Aid Squad PO Box 152 Grahamsville, NY 12740

Cemetery: Rosehill Crematory

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: St. Marks United Methodist Church