MILFORD, N.H. — Ralph L. Ulmer, 81, resident of Milford, NH, died Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Nashua, NH after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in Verona, Maine on July 15, 1930, the son of Dwinal A. Ulmer and Agnes (Hopkins) Holt.

Ralph received his Master’s Degree from the University of Maine and was the Superintendent of Schools for SAD 75, Topsham, Maine. During his career in education, he was a teacher, a principal, and also coached many different high school sports teams. After retirement, he made his home in Dexter, Maine and for many years he and his wife enjoyed wintering in Silver Springs, Florida and Aiken, South Carolina, where he cared for race horses.

He was a member of the Rotary Club, Dexter Municipal Golf Course and the Brunswick Country Club. He loved all sports, the Red Sox being his favorite. Ralph was an avid hunter, snowmobiler, golfer, and bridge player. He had a love for music and played the saxophone. He attended many Bowdoin College Hockey games and also enjoyed watching the Kentucky Derby every year with his longtime friends in Dexter.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donalene (Crowley) Ulmer of Milford, NH; and is the beloved father of Joanne Ulmer Burke of Nashua, NH and Susan Ulmer-Mello and her husband Jason Mello of Milford, NH; 12 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren; three nieces and four nephews.

A private family service will be held at a later date at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Dexter, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To leave an online condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.