Ralph Hays Grapperhaus

Ralph Hays Grapperhaus, Harrington, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Sunday, October 26, 2025, he was 81. Hays was born to the late, Frederick Ralph and Mable K. Grapperhaus.

Hays served his country proudly in the United States Army. He served two tours in Vietnam, and was awarded the Purple Heart after tragically being shot down in a helicopter and captured as a POW. Upon his release, he served a total of 6 years and was highly decorated.

While living in Arizonia, Hays worked in Law Enforcement. Upon moving to Delaware, Hays went to work as a social worker for the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Families (DSCYF). He later transitioned into a Family Crisis Therapist with the Department. After working for several years as a crisis therapist, he became a Delaware Court Judge and served one term before he retired to take care of his wife, Vi. It was also during this time that he owned and operated a gun store in Harrington, V & H Enterprises.

Hays enjoyed the outdoors and was always on the go when he was not working. He loved to hunt, surf fish off of the jetty, gem and diamond hunt, and travelling. Travelling was always a special treat, he and Vi flew first class to many parts of the United States, visiting many of the casinos, and going on cruises.

Hays was a member of the American Legion and the VFW.

In later years, Hays loved being at home and watching documentaries and Jeopardy. He also enjoyed playing solitaire and Mah Jong online. Spending time with family and friends was also very important to him and he especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, Kera. He will be sadly missed.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Robin Carpenter McGuire, and siblings, Judy, Bill, and Betty.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Vi T. McGuire-Grapperhaus; son, Richard Carpenter Jr., grandchildren, Ashley (Kevin) Boyles, Crystal (Sumner) Hoback, Jennifer (Josh) Reed, Angela Dukes (Teemyer) Lewis, Kera (Jeff) Duncan, Sabrina Reed; great grandchildren, Dani Holding, Logan Boyles, Kierra Lewis, David Holding, Aubree Boyles, Ava Reed, Trent Boyles, Clint Hoback, Liam Hoback, Camille Lewis, Mya Reed, Ari Reed; dog companion, Sheba; best friends, Ray & Sarah Lee Stevens, Ron & Jill Usilton, Bill & Harriett Powell; children from first marriage, Alex Grapperhaus, Joe (Cindy) Grapperhaus and their families.

A memorial service will take place on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 2 PM, with a visitation starting at 1PM, at the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy, Harrington.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, please visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express or send condolences.