Ralph Morton Shulansky, died suddenly January 7, 2013 at his home in Palm Desert, California. A resident of Bloomfield, he was born January 5, 1929, in Hartford and was the son of Saul and Edith (Beatman) Shulansky. He was a graduate of The Loomis School, Hamilton College, and Cornell Law School.

Ralph had a successful and respected career as a lawyer and banker. He began his practice of law in 1952 at Schatz & Schatz, and soon founded Shulansky, Cohn & Williams, which prospered in Greater Hartford until 1967 when he became a senior officer at Connecticut Bank & Trust. He also served on many company boards, including Kalart Victor Corporation, The Ames Department Stores, and Mott’s Holdings. He became Chief Financial Officer of Ames Department Stores in 1981 until his retirement in 1987. In 1991, he was appointed Connecticut Banking Commissioner, where he served with distinction until his second retirement in 1995. For nearly 20 years, he was a trustee of a number of private trusts and in 1998 became Chairman of the Board of Bankers Bank Northeast. He continued in these roles until his death.

Ralph was extraordinarily generous to the community with his time and thoughtful intellect. He was elected in 1956 and 1958 to the State Legislature representing West Hartford, and to the State Senate in 1960 representing West Hartford and eight other towns. He retired from elected office in 1965. He was a valued member of many boards of directors throughout his life, including Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, Jewish Family Services, Hartford Symphony, Beth El Temple, Renbrook School, Duncaster, Hartford Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary’s Home, Jewish Community Foundation, and Easter Seals. He was a corporator of Hartford Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, and Hebrew Health Care.

Ralph was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and valued mentor. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ruth (Kaufman) Shulansky and three children, John and Debra Clark Shulansky of West Hartford, Laura and Jerry Nassau of Mamaroneck NY, and Debra J. Shulansky of West Hartford. Most of all, Ralph cherished his eight grandchildren who affectionately called him Poppy: Michael and Karah Shulansky; Daniel, Benjamin and Jonathan Nassau; and, Stephen, Carolyn and Sara Gershman. He was predeceased by his sister, Louise Fechtor.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford with Rabbi James Rosen officiating. Interment will follow at Beth El Cemetery, Jackson St. Ext., Avon. A memorial period will be observed at the home of his daughter on Friday following the interment, Saturday evening, and Sunday after 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ralph M. Shulansky ‘45 Lecture Fund at The Loomis Chaffee School, Windsor, or the Ralph M. and Ruth Shulansky Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Ralph, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm