Ralph Lamar Pearson
August 01, 1939 - June 23, 2025
Visitation: Friday, June 27, 2025, 9-10:20 am; Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry Township
Service: Friday, June 27, 2025, 11 am; St. Kilian Church
Ralph Lamar Pearson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed educator, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, at the age of 85. Born on August 1, 1939, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, son of the late Russel and Grace Pearson. He dedicated his life to the world of education, serving as a professor, university administrator, and finally Academic Vice President at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota and Provost of Duquesne University, where he impacted the lives of countless students and colleagues throughout his remarkable career.
Ralph was married to his loving wife, Catherine Pearson, on August 1, 1964. As “PopPop,” Ralph took immense joy in the company of his grandchildren—Emma, Ahna, Samuel, and Noah—often taking them on weekend adventures that fostered their love of learning and exploration.
An avid reader with a deep appreciation for history, Ralph often found solace in the pages of a good book. Beyond his academic pursuits, he was a passionate runner who enjoyed the thrill of outdoor activity, embodying a spirit of both intellectual and physical vitality. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm for life, his love of family, and his unwavering commitment to education.
Ralph is survived by his devoted wife Catherine, his son Jonathan, and his cherished grandchildren. He also leaves behind his dear sister, Shirley Wolfinger (Richard), and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday from 9-10:20 am at Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry Township, 2678 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 11 am at St. Kilian Church. Interment will follow at Holy Savior Cemetery, Pine Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
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Cathy
We are so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Although we did not get to meet him his history and accomplishments speak volumes.
Our prayers and sympathies are with you.
Sincerely
Chris and Pat
From Shirley a great brother and I will miss you Love Shirley
Cathy
We are so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Although we did not get to meet him his history and accomplishments speak volumes.
Our prayers and sympathies are with you.
Sincerely
Chris and Pat
Dr. Ralph Pearson and I were friends who worked closely together during my presidency and his leadership as Duquesne University’s academic Provost. He was a scholar of history, deeply dedicated to the Spiritan and academic mission of the University. Ralph helped guide our strategic planning process, assuring that our organizational and budgeting priorities reflected that mission. He worked effectively with the other vice presidents, our deans and the staff in academic affairs. He oversaw the hiring of new faculty members and the assessment of proposals for new or revised academic programs. He was the final in-house authority on the accreditation and re-accreditation of our degree programs. As such, Ralph was personally responsible for innumerable improvements in Duquesne’s teaching, research and service areas. Because of his many efforts, Ralph left Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit a far better institution than he found it. In addition to these professional accomplishments, Ralph was a Christian gentleman in the classical sense. He had high moral standards and was widely admired on campus. He was a humble and honest man who always put the interests of others first. In our years together, I never heard him raise his voice in anger nor criticize another person unfairly. Ralph was deeply committed to his wife, Cathy and their family. He will be missed. May the Holy Spirit grant him the perpetual peace he so richly deserves.
Charlie Dougherty
President Emeritus