Dr. Ralph Merle Feather Jr.

Dr. Ralph Merle Feather Jr., 74, of Export, passed away Sunday, November 7, 2021 at UPMC East in Monroeville. He was born December 30, 1946, in Roaring Spring, PA, son of the late Ralph Merle Feather Sr., and Edna Pearl Pleacher. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Tom Feather and a father-in-law, Charles Davis.  

During Ralph’s college years at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Ralph was a founding father of the Sigma Chi Fraternity at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  During this time, Ralph met and fell in love with Sandra Kay Davis.  His thirst for learning led him to continue his education at the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a PhD from the School of Education.  

Ralph was a teacher for over 47 years.  The first 32 years at Derry Area School District as a Science teacher in the Middle School and High School in various disciplines and as the Science Department Chairperson.  After retiring from Derry Area in 2003, he took on the challenge of teaching at the college level, first at Indiana University of Pennsylvania for two years then at Bloomsburg University for an additional thirteen years, preparing future teachers for the profession he was so passionate about.  Upon his retirement in 2018 he was honored with Faculty Emeritus status.  

Ralph earned many awards during his career.  He was presented with the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarly Activity in 2009, and the Outstanding Teacher Award for two consecutive years (2007, 2008) from ACEI (student selected).  Prior to his tenure at Bloomsburg University, Ralph received the Teacher Excellence Award: Teacher of Distinction in 2000, and was recognized by President George H. W. Bush when he received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching in 1991, just to name a few.  

In addition, to his career in teaching he found the time to author or co-author more than 70 different science textbooks.  His hobbies included his vast baseball card collection including a Cal Ripkin, Jr. collection and his classic cars.  He also enjoyed writing poetry, which will be cherished by his friends and family.   One of his greatest loves was to spend time with his grandchildren and be a loving role model, friend, and Pap Pap.  He could be counted on for a popsicle or some other sweet treat.  He loved spending time with his family in his happy place, Sunset Beach, NC and Bird Island and telling many off-color dad jokes over the years.  He cherished his many friendships and enjoyed playing cards, grabbing coffee, and talking about football and racing. 

Ralph will be dearly missed by his wife of over 50 years, Sandra Kay (Davis) Feather; three daughters, Jessica Diane Feather-Bowman and her husband Eric, Jennifer Marie Naccarato and her husband Frank “Buddy,” and Janine Michelle Feather-Howcroft and her husband Joseph “Joey,” and  five grandchildren: Haley Marie, Madison Pearl, Frank Ralph, Joseph “Joey” Anthony, and  Logan Charles. He is also survived by a sister, Ginger (Denny) Steffy; a brother, Jim (Gloria) Feather; a sister-in-law, Shirley Feather; two brother-in-laws Gary (Liz) Davis, Don Davis; a mother-in-law, Maxine Davis; numerous nieces and nephews, the late Jim Steffy, Missy (Steffy) Averill, Katie (Steffy) Jones, Matt Steffy, Michael “Leon” Feather, Brian Feather, Jimmy Feather, Caitlin Feather, Carrie Anne Davis, Dustin Hoffman, Mandy Hoffman and the late Charles “Chuck” Davis. Visitation is from 2 to 4:00 p.m. and from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Hart Funeral Home, Inc., Murrysville. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 15, 2021 in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Eastview Union Cemetery, Delmont. Ralph’s family respectfully requests ALL visitors wear face masks. 

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Ralph can be made to the Bloomsburg University Foundation for the Dr. Ralph M. Feather, Jr. Memorial Scholarship and sent to the Bloomsburg University Foundation, 50 East Main Street, 4th Floor, Bloomsburg, PA 17815. Please include Feather Memorial Scholarship in the memo line. www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com