Longtime Manteca resident, Ralph L Cleghorn, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, March 13, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 92 years young.
Ralph was born in Lyons, Ohio in 1932 to parents Lavon DeWitt and Martha Caroline (Samlow) Cleghorn. He was the youngest of nine children. Ralph joined the United States Air Force in 1949 and married Camilla Mary Schmitz in 1952. Together they raised nine children. He was a long–time employee of Libbey Owens Ford (LOF)/Pilkington glass plant in Lathrop, CA, a proud veteran, and dedicated family man.
At the age of 17, Ralph left high school to volunteer for and become a member of the United States Air Force (USAF). While enlisted he completed the requirements for and received his GED. He proudly served as a member of the 5th Air Force in the Korean War as a weather observer attached to flight squadrons, with his most significant duty assignment being attached to the 6969th Support Squadron. He rose through the ranks during his years of service stationed at Hickman AFB in Hawaii, then on to Taegu, Seoul, and Hoeng Song, Korea. While serving in Korea he spent time intermittently in Japan which he fondly recalled in numerous stories. He rose to the rank of Staff Sargeant and was bestowed numerous medals including the United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Commendation, and the Meritorious Unit Citations for both the USAF and the US Army. After returning to the states in 1952, Ralph was stationed at Chanute AFB in Illinois and went on to marry Camilla later that same year. He joined the National Security Agency (NSA) becoming a cryptographer before receiving an honorable discharge in late 1953.
Ralph moved his family to Manteca in June 1962 when he accepted a job transfer with LOF. It was a quick move and he and his former wife, Camilla, purchased their new home the day after arriving to town. Together they raised three sons, six daughters in that Manteca home. Ralph was a dedicated family man who was always there for his family and friends. He taught his children the importance of love of family and country, and of hard work, loyalty, integrity, ethics, responsibility, and pride. His legacy will live on in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ralph was a long–time employee of LOF/Pilkington where he was head of quality control. His position enabled him to travel to many locales during his tenure. He retired in 1992 after more than 30 years of service to the company. After retiring, he continued to work for Pilkington as a contract consultant for several more years.
Those who knew Ralph well know that he was proud of his military service and dedicated to his fellow soldiers, past and present. He proudly served as a member of the local VFW Jimmie Connors Post 6311, being a Legacy Life Member. He was honored to serve in the honor guard of fellow veterans' funerals and in various parades over the years. He was also a member of the American Legion.
Ralph was preceded in death by his daughters Jeanette and Debra, son Jon, and his parents and siblings. He is survived by his former wife Camilla, sons Christopher Cleghorn and Patrick Cleghorn (Tracy), daughters Deanna Maciel (Wayne), Suzanne Cleghorn–Wells (Brian), Maria Mueller (Mike), and Jessica McLeod, as well as many grandchildren and great–grandchildren. Dad, you will be missed greatly, but we know we will see you again in heaven. Rest easy, Pops, until we all meet again. We love you forever and always. Godspeed.
Memorial Service will be held, Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 10:30 am at Parkview Cemetery Chapel, 3661 E. French Camp Rd., French Camp, CA. Doors open at 10:00 am.
Memorial luncheon immediately following at the VFW Veterans Center, 580 Moffat Blvd, Manteca. Memorials or floral arrangements should be directed to Parkview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph's honor may be made to the local VFW Jimmie Connors Post 6311. The family welcomes you to share your memories of Ralph on Parkview's memorial page online. Those shared memories will be greatly cherished by the family.
