Ralph Maines

Ralph Maines, 81, of Newfoundland, known to most as “Pete,” passed away at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore with his beloved wife of 24 years, Deborah, by his side.

Born October 18, 1942 in Honesdale, PA, he was the son of the late Henry and Rebecca Maines and was a graduate of Lake Consolidated High School in Lake Ariel.  During his career, Ralph was employed by Farview Prison as a correctional supervisor. After retiring and moving to Maine, he became employed as a corrections officer in Thomaston. When Ralph retired from corrections, he picked up his woodworking tools. He moved back to PA, where he put his skills and love of nature to work at Claws N Paws Wild Animal Park building enclosures for the animals. He was always up for a challenge with Chris Hall.

Ralph was a member of the Freemasons, serving as Past Master of Waymart Lodge #542.
Ralph was also very proud of being a Veteran of the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne.

Ralph loved to be outside in nature. He loved to fish any way he could: but ice fishing was extra fun, as it was an excuse to cook and eat outside.  He cherished his trips to Canada, and over many, many years of going, also enjoyed bringing and sharing this special place with family and friends.  Hunting also held a special place in his heart.

In the later years getting out was more of a challenge, so he compensated by bringing nature to him: birdwatching and his pets became his priority.

Traveling was in this man’s blood.  This included a once in a lifetime trip of driving an RV from Prince Edward Island Canada down through the northern states and back up through Canada to Alaska. Covering 43 states, 4 provinces and a territory in a year’s time.