Ralph Fordyce Waldo was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Ralph Fuller Waldo and Bessie Elmira Berdan on November 19, 1922. One of four children, he was raised in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with an emphasis on music and individual sports. His Boy Scout Eagle award probably inspired both sons and a grandson to achieve that rank.
He graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where he was affiliated with the Phi Gamma fraternity, and then served in the U.S. Army Infantry, 69th Division. Released to attend the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, he became an M.D. in 1948. Following graduation, Dr. Waldo entered flight school in Pensacola, Florida and served as a flight surgeon doing search and rescue in the Marshall Islands during the Korean War.
Dr. Waldo served on the staff of Indiana Hospital in Indiana, Pennsylvania for 50 years, having started as a house physician. He served on the courtesy staff at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania between 1965 and 1999. Dr. Waldo was a member of the American College of Physicians, Pennsylvania Medical Society, American Medical Association, and Indiana County Medical Society, and was a Fellow in the American College of Cardiology. He was an advisory board member on the Indiana Regional Medical Center Oncology Committee.
His memberships include Calvary Presbyterian Church, where he served several terms as Elder, Ingleside, Hammersley Island Fishing Club, Indiana Country Club, Indiana VFW, and the Indiana Ballroom Dance Club.
Immediate family includes Mary Joan (Jo) Noble Waldo, wife of 66 years; Lynn Ellen Waldo Smiledge and husband Peter Kent Smiledge, of Boston, Massachusetts; Jeffrey Ralph Waldo and wife Cheryl Rene, of Paducah, Kentucky; and Jock Alan Waldo and wife Lisa Elaine, of Golden, Colorado.
Extended family includes sister-in-law, Marilyn Waldo; brother-in-law, Donald Micklewright; and sister-in-law, Faith Letzelter and husband Cyril.
Grandchildren include Carolyn, Jonathan, Emma and Catherine Fink; Judd and Kelli Waldo; Mackenzie Waldo and Oli Garner; Bowman Waldo; Alec, Aidan and Emma Vernon; and Mackenzie Pierce.
Ralph was preceded in death by a brother, James Volney Waldo; a sister, Audrey Micklewright; and a sister, Ann and husband Harry Reynolds.
Friends and family will be received from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Calvary Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. David J. Hanna officiating. Robinson-Lytle, Inc., is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorials be directed to Calvary Presbyterian Church, 695 School Street, Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701 or the Indiana Regional Medical Center, 835 Hospital Road, Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701.
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