Ralph D. Jacques

Biddeford

Ralph Jacques of Biddeford Maine passed away peacefully at Maine Medical Center on March 13, 2023.

Ralph was born in Biddeford on March 12, 1948, a son of Raoul and Annabelle (Boisvert) Jacques and graduated from St. Louis High School as a member of the class of 1966 and Student Council President. He attended college at University of Maine, Orono where beyond graduating always talked about how fortunate he was to establish several special and lifelong friendships.

After graduation, Ralph accepted a teaching position at Biddeford High School where he taught math for over 30 years, became department head, and established the first school computer lab in the area.

Ralph was proud to spend 30+ summers working beside his brother at the Clam Shack in Kennebunkport, Maine where their customers were all friends and the "crew" was another opportunity to work closely with his wife, children, nieces, nephews, and friends.  Upon retiring from teaching and the Clam Shack, he was proud of his retirement job in sales at Vic's appliance in Saco, Maine where again customers became friends and co-workers became family.

Ralph truly embodied generosity, service to community and others without fault. He volunteered on church and school boards, formally and informally mentored many, and was a long time contributor to the Biddeford Adult Education programs. He shared strong positive energy with others and always left anyone he interacted with feeling better.

His greatest achievements came from being an incredible husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He married Charlotte Bouchard and recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. Ralph and Charlotte had three children, James Jacques and his partner Michelle DiSotto of Biddeford, Jonathan Jacques and his wife Martha of Biddeford, and Rebecca Henry and her husband Matthew of Biddeford. He was better known as "Ra-Ra" to his beloved grandchildren Nicolas Jacques, Annabelle Jacques, Grady O'Connor, Benton Henry, Jacques "Jack" Henry, and Michelle's children Jack and Gianna DiSotto. Ralph and Charlotte recently fulfilled a lifelong dream and enjoyed a family vacation with all of their children, spouses, and grandchildren at Disney World in fall of 2022.

He is predeceased by his brother Richard. He is survived by his sister-in-law JoAnn Jacques of Biddeford, brother Raymond Jacques and wife Judy of Kennebunk, sister-in-law Denise Reilly and husband Michael of Saco. He also is survived by several cherished nieces and nephews, and many close friends. He was also a father figure to dear friend Andrii Gavrilov and his wife Maria of Dover NH.  He was honored to be chosen Godfather to Ruth Houghton, Elizabeth (Reilly) Hussey, Corey Jacques, and Karen Jacques.

Public visiting hours will be from 4pm to 7pm on Wed, March 22 at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James Street, Saco.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Biddeford Education's Ralph Jacques Memorial Fund. Donations may be made by mailing a check to Biddeford Education Foundation with Ralph Jacques Memorial Fund in the memo line to Shelley Kane 20 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford, ME 04005, by clicking here or by phone at 207-391-6885.

To view Ralph's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com