Wellsville, NY – Ralph A. Eastlack, 82, of Schrader Road,
passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in his home surrounded by family. He
was born April 30, 1942, in Salem, NJ, the son of the late John A. and Florence
(Seymour) Eastlack. On August 16, 1969, in Wellsville, he married Christine E.
Tompkins, who survives.
Ralph was raised in New Jersey and was a graduate of Penns
Grove High School. He continued his education at Houghton College, earning his
bachelors in 1965. He was a service minded individual and was very active in
the faith ministries in Allegany County: he was the first executive director of
Allegany County Youth for Christ (YFC) where he served for 45 years, eventually
transitioning to Southern Tier YFC. With his family, he would lead the annual
YFC trip to the Ocean City Conference, and for over 20 years lead the YFC
mission trips to Haiti, with as many as 35 children. Additionally, he
established the YFC Skate Park and Drop In Center in the Rockwell building.
Outside of YFC, his ministry included a close relationship with Gill’s Hills to
help troubled children, interim pastor for the Christian Temple, the
Congregational Church, and the Hallsport Community Church. Extending his
service, he was a chairman of the County Youth Board for many years, a Chaplin
for Jones Memorial Hospital, volunteer counselor at Wellsville Central School,
a member of the Wellsville Exchange Club, and was a very involved member of his
home church, Brookside Wesleyan. He also enjoyed vintage cars.
In addition to his wife of 55 years, Chris, he is survived
by: two children, Matt (Adriana) Eastlack of Hamlin, NY and Josh Eastlack of
Slidell, LA; grandchildren, Maddy, Colin, Adyn, Jayden, and Hailey; and
son-in-law, Doug Ryan; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to
his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Julie Ryan; and two brothers,
Wayne Eastlack and Casper Farrow.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 21,
2024, at 11:00 am in the Brookside Wesleyan Church, 3469 Andover Road,
Wellsville, NY. Please consider memorial donations to Family Life, 7634 County
Road 14, Bath, NY 14810. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
