DEGNAN, Ralph Gerald

Mohave Daily News, Mohave Valley, AZ - Published in Mohave Daily News Online from July 22 to July 29, 2012 - Ralph Gerald Degnan, age 87, a prior 10-year resident of Bullhead City, Ariz., passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, July 6, 2012, in Temecula, Calif. The son of John Lewis and Irene C. Degnan, Ralph was born in Lockport, N.Y. on November 6, 1924. As a youngster, he went to live with his paternal aunt, Marguerite Degnan Shank, and her husband, Oscar. After graduating from high school in 1942, he joined the United States Army, where he served until 1952. In 1948, he married the love of his life, Helen Sime, in Portland, Ore. They later moved to Anaheim, Calif., where they raised their three daughters. In 1988, Ralph retired from Hughes Aircraft in Culver City, Calif., which was a career he truly enjoyed. He was especially proud of his work on the Trident submarine. After retiring, he and Helen spent many years traveling in their RV before moving to Bullhead City. Ralph was an active member of Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church, where he enjoyed volunteeing, and the Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Helen Degnan. Ralph is survived by his three beloved daughters, Deborah Degnan Wallman of Temecula, Kathleen (Ruben) Degnan Dewitt of Bullhead City, and Susan (Mitch) Degnan Bray of Temecula; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Brandon, Sarah, Nathan and Trevor; and two great-grandsons, Noah and Mason. There will be a funeral mass at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 4, 2012, at Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church.