Robert “Bobby” Eugene Ralston departed this life on April 15, 2024, in New York, New York.

Bobby was educated through the Delaware Public School System where he received his diploma from William W. M. Henry High School. After graduating, Bobby entered the Army on June 16, 1958. He departed the Army on June 14, 1960, where he received an honorable discharge.

Bobby had a love for all music. He played the saxophone along with numerous well-known musicians such as Jimmy Bass, Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Frank Foster, Joe Williams, Count Basie and Bob Byers. He was an avid walker and had a good eye for unique stones and artifacts. He had a love for all types of art, with music being his passion. Bobby loved people and always had a wise word for all which allowed him to teach in the elementary school system. He was a loving, caring, witty and intelligent soul, with a great sense of humor. His tall stature and his unique hazel eyes attracted many friends wherever he went. Bobby often traveled to the Motherland of Africa. He had a great love for the African culture and whenever he visited his family, you could always count on him wearing his eccentric Dashiki with a matching Kufi. His favorite quote was “It Goes On.”

Bobby was born on October 22, 1935, in Harrington, Delaware, to the late Edith Mae Ralston Mitchell and the late John Sheppard Parker. Edith later married the late Freeman Mitchell Sr., who helped raise him.

Bobby had a very special relationship with his sister Karen, who made sure he was up to date with family events and knew the latest about his family members. They often talked on the phone, and she visited when he needed her the most, as she saw to his needs during the latter part of his life.

Bobby grew close to his caregivers from Link Care Healthcare, who attended to him around the clock: Tatyanna, Nolverda, Sam, Eulet, and Beverly. Bobby was preceded in death by his wife Marcell; his parents, Edith and Freeman Mitchell Sr., and John Parker; his sister, Lillian Ralston; his nephews, Gary Ralston and Dominique Nixon, aunts; Marion Sawyer, Ella, and Helena, uncles, Lit and Elsworth Parker.

Bobby leaves to cherish his memories; dedicated and devoted sister, Karen Mitchell (Boo-Tie); brother, Freeman Mitchell Jr. of Philadelphia; nieces, Cynthia Alvin, Gina Ralston, Dominiqua Swanson, Nabila Enlow, and Brandi Jones; great nieces, Nedia Ralston, Janeem Porter, Keaira Greene, Kianni Greene, Azuri and Auri Nixon, Uri McClean-Nixon, and Maddison Lovett; great nephews, Nasir Nixon and Neil Holden.

Cousins, Reverend Frances E. Benson and Jean Minor of Delaware, and the extended Benson and Thorpe Family of Delaware. Longtime friends, Katherine Pritchard and the late Oliver from Victory One Apartments (second floor).