Obituary of Ralph Michel

Ralph Michel, 90, of Jackson died Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Atlantic Coast Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Lakewood. Born in Schornsheim, Germany, he lived in England, New York, and Farmingdale, NJ, moving to Lakewood in 1969, and settling in Jackson in 2003. Serving his country for 20 years in the United States Army, and owned and operated Estherdale’s Kosherama in Lakewood for 20 years. He was a longtime member, past president, treasurer and cemetery chairman of Congregation Ahavat Shalom, Lakewood now Ahavat Olam, Howell. Many congregants may remember Ralph wearing his red jacket as he oversaw seating for high holidays at the synagogue. He served on the Lakewood Township Library Commission, coordinated Lakewood Memorial Day parades, and served as Chairman of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. He truly enjoyed being an integral part of his community. Predeceased by his parents, Bruno and Emily Michel and his son, Bruce (2000); he is survived by his loving wife, Rita; his daughter, Alexa of Jackson, NJ; and one grandchild. Funeral Services will be held 10:30am Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at Belkoff-Goldstein Funeral Chapel, 313 Second Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Interment will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ. Donations in Ralph’s honor may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014