Ralph I. Larson, Jr.

January 13,1940- April 24, 2026

Ralph I. Larson, Jr., was born January 13, 1940, in Worcester and raised in Sutton and Natick, Massachusetts. He was the son of the late Ralph Larson, Sr. and Marion Normandin Larson of Bennington, VT. He attended Natick High School and went on to graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Ralph was a brilliant and driven engineer whose life's work centered on innovation in thermal engineering. He held numerous patents that advanced the field and was widely respected for his technical expertise and leadership. Over the course of his career, he held senior positions within several engineering firms and ultimately became the founder and CEO of his own company. His professional accomplishments reflected intellectual rigor and a deep commitment to excellence.

While Ralph was deeply committed to his professional life, he loved his children and grandchildren and took pride in their lives and accomplishments. He especially enjoyed a lively family Yankee Swap, establishing a lasting holiday tradition filled with humor, strategy, and spirited competition that will continue for generations.

Ralph loved the ocean and sailing — even building a 26-foot sailboat, "Valkyrie" in his backyard. He enjoyed ice skating, cooking, baking Swedish pastries, seeking out Swedish delicacies to share with his family, traveling, walking his dogs, participating in his church communities, and Grandpa's chowder shared with family at the annual Cousins Weekend. Ralph was also well known for and extremely proud of making  memorable Boeuf Bourguignon, Swedish Meatballs and banana bread.

Ralph is survived by his three children and eight grandchildren: Kathleen Larson Day (Chuck), and their children Chris Day (Judy), Lindsay Reamer and Cameron Day,   Mark Larson (Shelley Hamm) and his children Carly and David Larson; and Sarah Larson (Mike DiPalma) and their children AJ, Caroline, and Luke Larson DiPalma. He is also survived by his sister, Maryann Beaupre of Vermont, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was the husband of the late Lynne Vanderpoel of Acton.

Ralph will be remembered for his formidable intellect, his pioneering contributions to thermal engineering, and the traditions and memories he leaves within his family.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.