Ralph E. Hincken, 83, of West Chester, PA passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at his Hershey Mill’s home surrounded by his loving family. 

Ralph was born on September 2, 1936 in Philadelphia, PA.  He was one of two children and the only son of the late James McGlathery and Florence (McGowan) Hincken.  Ralph attended Bell Avenue Elementary and Yeadon Junior High and High School, graduating in 1954.  He had a great singing voice, which he showcased in the school choir, spring musicals, and other theater productions. 

Ralph was a proud Bucknell University Bison, graduating in 1958.  In college, he was in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, and an avid bridge and poker player. 

He met Carolynn Leek in high school at a church paper drive and married her in April of 1959.  He consistently noted – particularly in his later years – that he had “married up.” They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2019.  He viewed his family as his greatest accomplishment, and his 4 daughters, 3 sons-in-law, and 8 grandchildren were his pride and joy. 

Ralph began his professional career as a stockbroker but moved in-house to Sun Company, Inc., in 1962, retiring 29 years later as a Director of Corporate Financing.  He served for eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve and was a Captain at the time he was honorably discharged. 

Throughout his life, he held leadership positions on a variety of boards and committees, serving mostly in a financial capacity.  St. Matthews United Methodist Church of Wayne, Chester County AIDS Task Force, Child Guidance Resource Centers of Havertown, Springfield Federal Savings and Loan, St. Matthews Reformed Episcopal Church of Havertown, and the Manoa Volunteer Fire Department were among the many organizations he served.

He enjoyed golf, cards, reading, bowling, and traveling with family and friends. He also took great pleasure in following the stock market and teaching others about investing.

Ralph is survived by Carolynn, their four children: Debbie Covington (John), Lynne Rittenhouse (Steve), Kim Chamberlain (Chuck Wetherington), Christine McEwan (Shane); and eight grandchildren: Rob Covington, Rebekah Covington, Stephen Rittenhouse, Jessica Rittenhouse, Matthew Rittenhouse, Courtney Chamberlain, Taylor Chamberlain and Connor Warner. His dear sister, Muriel Tanner of Aurora, Ohio, is deceased. 

A private service for immediate family members will be held at St. Matthews United Methodist Church of Valley Forge on Tuesday, August 4.  A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the National Kidney Foundation 1500 Walnut Street, Suite 301, Philadelphia, PA 19102, Https://www.kidney.org/donation, or to St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 600 Walker Road, Wayne, PA 19087. Please include Ralph Hincken Memorial Fund in the memo line.