A Whole New Legacy for the Museum

Dedicated to the long-time Town of Wappinger Recreation Commissioner, Ralph Holt. Ralph grew up in Lowell, MA. After graduating from Lowell High School, he enlisted in the Navy and was able to continue to play the game he loved. He was stationed on Quonset Point, RI. and along with his other duties, played baseball for three years. After being discharged from the Navy, Ralph went back to school, enrolling in Northeastern University in Boston, MA. He would go on to graduate in 1956 with a degree in Finance. While at Northeastern, Ralph married the love of his life, Sylvia (nee Lanthier) in 1953.

Upon graduating in 1956, he accepted a job with IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY, and along with Sylvia, he moved to Wappingers Falls to begin their life together. Ralph and Sylvia would have five sons together. Needing to keep his boys busy, Ralph returned to the game he loved and became a manager within in the Town of Wappingers Little League. This would also mark the beginning of his love for community service. Over the ensuing years, Ralph’s teams would win numerous championships at the various levels of competition, but the one championship that stood out over them all was the All-Star team he managed in 1970. This “very special” group of boys made the summer of 1970 an unforgettable one in Ralph’s life. Working together in the true sense of the word “team”, this group went on to capture the New York State title. Ralph went on to coach teams at the Little League, Senior League, and Big Boy League level. He also coached teams in the Wappingers girl’s softball league. Ralph also served as President of the Town of Wappingers Little League. For all of his efforts and contributions he made to the Little League, he was inducted into both he Dutchess County Sports Museum Hall of Fame and the Dutchess County Old Timers Baseball Association Hall of Fame.

After his coaching days were over, Ralph focused his attention on what could do for his community. He became the Chairman of Recreation for the Town of Wappingers. In his role as Chairman, Ralph oversaw the maintenance of all the baseball and soccer fields in the town. He assisted in the creation of the new ball fields, along with the Challenge Field out at the Robinson Lane complex. He oversaw the summer camp programs in Wappingers, in addition he made sure there was a Halloween and Christmas party for the children and a Christmas dinner party for the seniors. Ralph truly loved his role at the Recreation Dept and finally retired from the role in 2019 at 90 years old. Ralph really embraced what it meant to give back to the community.

It is our hope that dedicating the Youth Learning Center to Ralph we will immerse children into interactive education technology to help them learn in a fun and exciting way and pay homage to Ralph’s legacy.