RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Ralph H. Osterhoudt age 90 of River Street, passed away after a long illness on Tuesday morning December 15, 2009.He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. Ralph was born on May 5, 1919 in Cooperstown, son of the late Maurice C. and Mary Catherine Hopkins Osterhoudt.A lifelong area resident he graduated from Cooperstown High School with the class of 1938. On September 4, 1940 he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps.A veteran of World War II he had the distinction of being a Pearl Harbor Survivor. He was honorably discharged on August 30, 1945 attaining the rank of Tech Sergeant. On August 1, 1943 he was united in marriage with the former Bessie Stoddard in Saint JohnsEpiscopal Church, Richfield Springs.Mr. Osterhoudt moved to Richfield Springs in 1945 coming from Cooperstownand remaining in Richfield Springs since.He worked as a serviceman for Suburban Propane Gas Company in Richfield Springs and retired in 1971, after thirty-three years of loyal service. He had a strong belief in God and was a member of Saint Johns Episcopal Church, Richfield Springs. Ralph had a strong sense of community.He was a member of American Legion Post # 616 Richfield Springs, Veteran of Foreign Wars Cooperstown, Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Native Sons of Cooperstown and a fifty year member of the Richfield Springs Lodge # 482 Free and Accepted Masons where had served as Master, was Treasurer for many years and was recipient of the Dedicated Service Award from the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Mr. Osterhoudt will always be remembered as a caring man who enjoyed doing for others.He lived his life as a true example of the Greatest Generation.He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Surviving besides his loving wife of sixty-six years Bessie, are three sons, Ralph M. Osterhoudt and his wife Sheila of Richfield Springs, Ronnie L. Osterhoudt and his wife Merry of Manassas, VA, Charles M. Osterhoudt of Richfield Springs, one daughter, Janice Misencik and her partner John Buckley of Richfield Springs, three brothers, Homer Osterhoudt and his wife Marion of Cooperstown, John Osterhoudt of Westfield, Howard Osterhoudt and his wife Nola of Sharon Springs, twelve grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Lincoln Osterhoudt who died in World War II and two sisters, Louise Osterhoudt and Helen Baxter. The service of the Burial Office and Holy Communion will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am in Saint Johns Episcopal Church, Richfield Springs.The Reverend John Dixon Bartle, Rector will officiate.Interment with military honors will be next spring in Lakeview Cemetery.There are no calling hours.Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Richfield Springs Emergency Rescue Squad. Envelopes will be available at the church service.Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs.