Ralph Sponable

COLONIE – Ralph Sponable, 88, a resident of the Teresian House in Albany, entered into eternal rest on July 26, 2007. Ralph was the son of the late Adelbert and Madeline Sponable. He served his country during World War II and received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army Air Force. Mr. Sponable worked as a tax examiner for the NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance, retiring in 1981. He was a member of the Colonie Lodge #2192 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Ralph had a tremendous respect for the environment and the world around him. He was a member of the Adirondack and Taconic Mountain Climbing Clubs and scaled many of the New York Mountains. He enjoyed time spent in the forests of New York, fishing, canoeing or just being at peace with nature. Ralph had a special love for the Pine Bush Preserve in Albany. An accomplished photographer, he spent countless hours photographing the changes to the Preserve and its wildlife. He was appointed by two governors to three terms as a civilian commissioner of the Pine Bush Preserve and helped to guide the Pine Bush to the treasure it is today. The fruit of his many labors was realized in June of 2007 when he attended the grand opening of the Pine Bush Environmental Center. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Dolores Sponable. He is the devoted father of two sons, Paul (Carol) Sponable of Albany and Thomas (Barbara) Sponable of Syracuse. In addition to his children, Ralph is survived by five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is the brother of Shirley Grady of Albany, Marjorie Bruno of Walpole, MA and the late Grover and Edward Sponable.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday morning at 11:00 at the Infant of Prague Chapel at the Teresian House. Calling hours will be Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Interment will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie. Ralph's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, a donation in Ralph's memory may be made to the Pine Bush Preserve, 195 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205. To leave a special message for the family online, visit