ROCKPORT — Ralph Owen Knowlton, 96, died on May 8, 2025 at the Sussman House in Rockport. Born in Vinalhaven on August 8, 1928, he was one of 12 children of Llewellyn and Laura (York) Knowlton. On December 12, 1953, he married his wife, Jean Louise Peterson.

Ralph served his town and country with pride having left Camden at the age of 15 to join the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army during WWII. He was mustered aboard the USS Mattaponi on June 1, 1946, and discharged honorably from the Navy on December 11, 1947. Ralph then enlisted into the US Army serving in Korea achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. Ralph was honorably discharged from the Army on June 18, 1952.

Ralph received the following medals and awards while serving his country; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Korea Service Medal with Star, National Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and US Army Marksmanship award.

Ralph was a 19-year member of War Memorial Post No. 30, American Legion.

When Ralph’s military commitment was fulfilled, he returned to Camden putting his military background to use by becoming a full-time police officer with the Camden Police Department. Ralph rose through the ranks culminating in his promotion to Assistant Chief as a Lieutenant. Ralph served in that position until his retirement in 1990. Ralph continued working with the department during the time when movies were being made in Camden, working security protection on the sets of Thinner and Man Without a Face

Ralph was a proud 57-year member of Amity, now Federal Lodge No. 6. He joined the Masons in May 5, 1967 and served Amity Lodge as Worshipful Master in 2000. Ralph was also a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry as a 25-year member of the Rockland Valley.

He was also a 53 member of Keystone Royal Arch Chapter and 48-year member of Claremont Commandery being Knighted on December 6, 1976. Ralph served in many positions in the Commandery.

Predeceased by his wife, Jean Knowlton, in 2015, son Eugene Bradford, and granddaughter Sarah Elizabeth; he is survived by his daughter Donna Knowlton of Rockport; daughter-in-law, Edna Mahan; granddaughters Lisa and Meghan; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 3 - 5 p.m., at the Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.

A funeral service followed by a reception will be held Friday, May 16, 2025, at 1 p.m., at the Rockport Masonic Center, 361 Main Street, Rockport.

Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.