Obituary of Ralph Norris Iselin

Ralph N. Iselin, 95, died peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center in Albany, N.Y. Ralph was born in New York, N.Y., on April 12, 1917, and lived most of his adult life in the Albany area (including many years in Troy and Clifton Park). As a supply sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II, he served his country in England and France. In the 1960s and 1970s, Ralph was president of Korell Corporation, a women's apparel company based in Mechanicville, N.Y. In later years he owned and managed the Factory Store and the Outlet Barn, a small chain of clothing stores in the Albany area. Ralph was a member of Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany. Ralph was a dedicated New York Jets fan and an avid golfer, but his greatest passion other than his family was skiing in Vermont. He enjoyed many winters on the slopes of Stratton Mountain. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of almost 72 years, Gertrude (née Dinowitz); three children, Ronni (Alan) Sims of Albuquerque, N.M., Barry (Nancy Palmer) Iselin of Phoenix, Ariz., and Peter Iselin of Troy, N.Y.; four grandchildren, Heather (Mike Sanderson) Sims of Auburn, Mass., Wendy (Jim) Fitzsimmons of Ellicott City, Md., Eric (Lauren) Sims of Los Angeles, Calif., and Amy Iselin of Clinton, N.Y.; two great-grandchildren, Rachel and Claire Fitzsimmons; one brother, Alan V. Iselin of Albany; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Harriet Iselin, and a sister, Marjorie Passman. The family would like to extend its deep appreciation to Laurie, Diane, Colleen, Anna, Susan, Melissa, Quinn, Lisa, Lauren, Dana, Gina, Debbie and the entire staff of Daughters of Sarah, especially the Green Unit. A private service of interment will be held at the convenience of the family on Friday, October 12 at noon at the Beth Emeth Cemetery in Loudonville, N.Y., and a memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph's name to the Daughters of Sarah Senior Community or Congregation Beth Emeth.