We just learned the sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ralph was a trusted mentor and a true leader
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
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From ,
Posted On: February 7, 2013
We just learned the sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ralph was a trusted mentor and a true leader
From West Hartford, CT
Posted On: January 12, 2013
So sorry for your loss. My father, Morton Schenker, would often tell stories of Ralph and him during World War II.
From Rocky Hill, CT
Posted On: January 11, 2013
I was fortunate to have worked with Ralph as a fellow officer at Ames Department Stores. He was always the commsumate gentle-man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
From Deerfield, MA
Posted On: January 11, 2013
Fond memories of moving to West Hartford around 1963 right across the street from "The Shulanskys." Everyone was so very welcoming and we formed friendships up and down the generations. So sorry to hear about Ralph's passing. Sending love and good wishes to all - Bela Breslau & Sharon Breslau
From Hartford, ct
Posted On: January 11, 2013
Ralph was the consummate professional, and led a life that inspires others. In addition to his wonderful intellect, I will remember Ralph for his incisive humor, and the realization that as serious and important as we think we are, we might want to rethink that thought. I will miss him and always remember him.
Bill Bouton
From West Hartford, CT
Posted On: January 11, 2013
To the Shulansky family, You are all in our thoughts during this difficult time.
The O'Hare/Kelly Family
From Clinton, NY
Posted On: January 11, 2013
As an alumnus of Hamilton College, Ralph, a member of the class of 1949, defined what it was to be loyal to one's alma mater. He was a superb volunteer leader serving his fellow graduates in Hartford and exhibited his generosity of spirit for his entire graduate life. In 2002 I was a new administrator for Hamilton. Ralph went out of his way to be gracious and supportive. It was emblematic of his generosity of spirit. He will be sorely missed by the people on the Hill, his classmates and fellow alums and well remembered.
From White Plains, NY
Posted On: January 11, 2013
I was privileged to know Ralph through his fine work as Connecticut Banking Commissioner and as Chairman of the Bankers' Bank Northeast. He was always a gentleman through and through and an inspirational leader. My sincere condolences to all his loved ones.
From Naples, FL
Posted On: January 11, 2013
Rest In A Deserved Peace.
From boca raton, fla.
Posted On: January 17, 2013
So sorry to hear of your dads sudden passing. No matter the age, its still hard on the family. Our very best to you & hoping you will have many fond memories for years to come.
From Hartford, ct
Posted On: January 16, 2013
Ralph was much appreciated corporator at Hartford Seminary. We feel fortunate have had him contribute to Hartford Seminary in this way and we give thanks for Ralph's life. We send our condolences to Raplh's family.
From Bloomfield, CT
Posted On: January 9, 2013
Dear Ruth, John and family,
Sandy & I were saddened to learn of Ralph's passing. We send our condolences to all of you.
From Scottsdale, AZ
Posted On: January 9, 2013
Deepest condolences and heartfelt thoughts to the entire Shulansky family.
From West Hartford, CT
Posted On: January 9, 2013
We offer our deepest sympathy, and wishes for comfort during this difficult time, to the entire Shulansky family. Warm regards, Daniel and Bonnie Gauthier
From West Hartford, CT
Posted On: January 9, 2013
Although we can't be with you in person, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
From Jupiter, Fl.
Posted On: January 14, 2013
Ruth and family;
We just heard of the sad news about Ralph's passing and wish to express our sincere condolances to you and his family.
Sam and Frances Blumenthal
From Johns Creek, GA
Posted On: January 14, 2013
John,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Steve Israel & family
From West Hartford, CT
Posted On: January 10, 2013
John,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
From Ne w Haven, CT
Posted On: January 10, 2013
To the Shulansky Family:
I should like to offer my condolences to your family upon the passing of Ralph. I have known him since the early Nineties and he was among the very few individuals who took governmental assignments who kept true to his values and his characteristics, among them most importantly being empathy.
From Sharon, Ct
Posted On: January 10, 2013
Sincerest condolences to Ralph's family. I will remember Ralph as a wise and humble man, as well as a genuine advocate for community banks.
From Wethersfield, CT
Posted On: January 10, 2013
Ralph was a fine and honorable man. I feel privileged to have known him.
From Clinton, NY
Posted On: January 10, 2013
Ralph was a great person, a dedicated alumnus and a terrific person to work with. We will miss him at Hamilton. Best wishes to Ruth and the entire family. Thank you for sharing Ralph with us.
John Murphy '85
Hamilton College
From Bloomfield, CT
Posted On: January 10, 2013
John, Deb, Michael and Karah, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ken and Lynne