Ralph A. Hewes

Ralph AKA Raphael Hewes, 60, died on March 14, 2022 of sepsis from complications of triple by-pass surgery four months prior, in Syracuse. He lived in Dewitt, NY at the same address for over 30 years. He was born in Ithaca, NY on February 15,1962 to parents Virginia and Ralph, both deceased, and was raised in Syracuse, NY. For 20 years he worked as a vendor at the CNY Regional Farmers Market in Syracuse.

Ralph is survived by the following: half-siblings Sally Robins, Kenny Powers and George Gunn all of Liverpool; half-brother, David Hewes of Florida, half-brothers, Bill Hewes, Robert Hewes, half-sister, Dawn Hewes-McMahon, stepmother, Sandy Hewes all of Cortland, NY plus numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many cousins.

Raphael also took in several foster kids to help raise them during their formative years with whom he stayed in close touch including Gabil Valiyev of Brooklyn, NY and brothers Mike, Brian and Keith Haines all of Syracuse. He made many friends and kept in close contact with his beloved missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He also leaves his beloved cat, Angel, who will now live with his niece Amber. He will be sorely missed by many.

Memorial services will be held on April 10, 2022 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5070 North Eagle Village Road, Manlius, NY. All are welcome. There will be a Zoom link published on Ralph's Facebook page.


Ralph Hewes, what can be said about a man with a big heart? Well, when my brothers and I where teens, Ralph took us in. Took on the role as guardian, when a teen needed guidance the most, high school years. Many of my best memories are from those days, the "good 'ol days" as they would say. Ralph was the type that pushed you to achieve your goals, never give up. When I decided to tattoo for a career, Ralph did nothing but encourage me to do so. To seek out my dream. So after graduation, and becoming an "adult" (questionable at times) we drifted apart for a little. I'd pop in here and there to see how the feller was doing. But even as time passed by, every visit was as if no time had passed at all. Then came a time in my life where most people freak out… having a kid!! Ralph got me through it. Always said I'd be a great father and not to stress it. And if I ever needed help, Ralph was a phone call away. Trust me when I say I needed help at times. A dark time came about 5 years and another child later. We were sorta homeless, well, bouncing around from friend to friend. The entire time Ralph insisted we stay with him in his spare room. I had pride and just had to swallow it for the kids' sake. I did. No questions asked. That was just who he was. Never wanted to see someone in trouble, especially those he knew well. Again years passed by. A few visits here and there, bring the girls by when I could. And then I see Ralph joined a church. Found friends. Found a new meaning to life. I was truly happy for him. Kids grew up and moved on. Life itself moves on as we get older. So it was great to see him truly happy again, like when he was raising his boys. Then came the news he was having heart surgery. It's was a little bit after like a month or so when he came home. I went there to remove his old bed for the new medical one. He wasn't looking all that good, but dang it if still didn't smile and crack a few jokes. He didn't want you to feel bad for him, bring you down, even on his worst day. He mentioned being let go too early and may end up going back. He did, but unfortunately shortly after that I got the horrible news of Ralph's passing. Ralph and I got to have this last bit of time to chat. I know it meant the world to him. Almost as if he knew something might go wrong. It means a lot to me as well that I did get to see him one last time. It's my final memory and will be stored away with all the best memories throughout my life. Gunna miss ya Ralph Boy.