Ralph Walston Eustis Jr., 92

Jul 11, 2025

Ralph Walston Eustis Jr., 92, passed into the hands of our Lord on July 6, 2025, surrounded by loving family and friends. His long life's voyage has reached a peaceful harbor.

He was born in Dalton, MA on January 2, 1933, the first of three children to the late Ralph W. Eustis and Margorie (King) Eustis.

Ralph's upbringing in western Massachusetts provided a rich variety of experiences. His parents nurtured their son and taught him to have a good moral compass to navigate life with integrity and honor. They further instilled a love of the arts, education and community.

Ralph graduated from Westfield High School in 1950. The call of the sea was in his blood, so he applied to the Coast Guard Academy. In 1955 he graduated with a BA in Engineering and was commissioned as an Ensign US Coast Guard officer; followed by Deputy Commander Far East Section, Tokyo. After an assignment in Washington, DC, Ralph was promoted in 1968 to Commanding Officer of the USCGC Vigilant, a reliance-class cutter whose home port was New Bedford, MA. He had expressed how grateful he was to not only realize his dream of going to sea but to be in command of an excellent crew who knew their job well and could be relied upon to perform it with skill and integrity.

After 20 years of service in the Coast Guard, followed by a brief stint of boat building in Mattapoisett, he then spent the next 20 years at Sippican Ocean Systems in Marion, MA where he retired in 1998 as their International Marketing Director.

Ralph was predeceased by his beloved wife Merilyn "Merry" Hodgson Eustis and their second son William "Billy" Eustis. Ralph and Merry's partnership of 63 years took them on many adventures; raising two sons, traveling all over the world, collecting art and artifacts as remembrances of their cultural experiences; building their own home on the shores of Mattapoisett, MA. Here in their retirement, husband and wife created a wonderful garden to surround themselves with the beauty of nature. They became an integral part of the community and were happy to have friendships grow among their many neighbors. Ralph was a person who always kept busy whether it was with work or play. Cruising with Merry on his Alburg 35' sailboat L'Aiglon took them throughout the Buzzards Bay area to the coast of Maine. In later years the sailboat was traded in for a power boat and they explored many shores from the east coast to the Great Lakes to the west coast of Washington and Alaska. Skiing was also a passion, and he became a long-time member of the National Ski Patrol. Rowing with the Gray Buzzards in New Bedford was another favorite pastime. For over 20 years until a few weeks before his passing, rowing was year-round followed by coffee, discussions and camaraderie with great people.

In his retirement years Ralph took many opportunities to give back to the community. He served on the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Board and was part of the design team for the CGA Alumni Center in New London, CT. Because of his love for the arts, he served as Board Chairman and Director of the New Bedford Art Museum during its early years.

Other institutions close to his heart were the New Bedford Symphony, the Mattapoisett Land Trust and recently Habitat for Humanity. Ralph also had the honor of serving as a deacon at the First Congregational Church in Mattapoisett.

Survivors include his son Ralph Eustis III and wife Karen Perilli Eustis, granddaughter Heather Eustis Ray and husband Jacques Ray; grandson Stephen Eustis; great grandsons Cassius and Oliver Eustis Ray; sister Bette Ascheffenburg; brother Gordon Eustis and his wife Joan Eustis; sister-in-law Joelle Bentley; sister-in-law Julie Broom and her husband Tony Broom; best friend Ginny Hayden and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends far away and local.

In his twilight years Buzzards Bay became home where he was well liked and well cared for at Keystone Place. The assisted living and hospice staff guided him in his final days and allowed him to pass while in his own home surrounded by the people he loved. His family will be forever grateful to the many staff who provided such a caring and nurturing environment for final goodbyes.

Celebration of life services will be held at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 am followed by a reception in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association, Class of 55 Fund, 47 Mohegan Ave., New London, CT 06320-8111.

Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.