Ralph Alfred Kress, 94, a Spring Hill resident of the North Side died peacefully Sunday.

He was the cherished husband of the late Marguerite (Slatt) for 68 years; the loving father to Mary Beth Baumgardner, Randall D. Kress and Cynthia (Todd) Appleton, and the proud grandfather of Brett and Brittney Baumgardner and Margeaux Appleton. He was the oldest of seven children, brother of the late Charles, Virginia, Donald, Earl and Kenneth, and his surviving sister, Betty (Elizabeth) Smolin of Brighton Heights.

Ralph was born and raised on Summer Hill, received baptism, first communion and confirmation at the St. Boniface Church (Holy Wisdom), and was a parishioner at St. Ambrose. He was active in HNS and K of C.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a staff sergeant in World War II.

He was employed at Allis Chalmers for 40 plus years, serving as UAW union steward.

He was a sportsman, an avid golfer at North Park Golf Course, a member of the North Park Sportsmen Association, and volunteered countless hours to North Catholic High School TAA, and the Trojanette basketball team.

Here is a special thank you to the 28 caregivers at the veterans facility in Aspinwall for their excellent care.

KRESS — The family and friends of Ralph Alfred Kress, who died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, will be received at the H.P. BRANDT FUNERAL HOME, 1032 Perry Highway, Ross Township, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today and Wednesday. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday in the St. Boniface Church of Holy Wisdom Parish. Burial will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.Contributions may be made to the little Sisters of the Poor or to the St. Ambrose Food Bank.Online condolences can be sent to: www.brandtfuneralhome.com.