Ralph F. Daum

ALBANY – Ralph F. Daum, 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. Born in Albany on July 24, 1931, he was the beloved son of the late Ralph F. and Margaret (Nash) Daum. Ralph dedicated his adult life to a life of service, and was proud to be called an Albany Firefighter for thirty-two years. Eventually becoming Battalion Chief, Ralph was perhaps best known throughout the fire department as the in-house chef until he retired in 1987. Ralph enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending his summers at his camp on Lake George, which he built with his father. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Angels Church until its closure. Ralph was in the National Guard from 1949 through 1957, a member of the Forbe's Rifle Club from 1951 through present, a member of the Watervliet Rod & Gun Club from 1979 through present, a Knight of the Knights of St. John Commandery #102 in Albany and a member of the Albany Permanent Professional Firefighters Retiree Association. In addition to his parents, Ralph was predeceased by his brother, Robert Daum. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Marilyn; his nephews, Robert and Michael Daum; his nieces, Debra Williams and Susan Locash. Also surviving are many grandnieces, grandnephews and his good friend, Kinga LaChapelle. Family and friends give special thanks to the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home for the care and compassion that they showed to Ralph and to the staff of the Albany Cancer Center.
Funeral services will be Friday at 9:30 a.m. at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.) then to Blessed Sacrament Church at 10:30 a.m. where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Memorial contributions may be made to Albany Firefighters Widows and Children Fund, 39 Quail St., Albany, NY 12206 or the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211 in memory of Ralph F. Daum.