Ralph S. LaBarge

Ralph Stephen LaBarge, was born November 5th, 1955 to Nanette and Paul LaBarge, the third of six children. Ralph passed away on August 20th, 2014 at age 58. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Janice LaBarge and his three daughters Kim, Jennifer, and Cindy, ages 23, 21, and 17 respectively. Ralph was a life-long scholar earning a Bachelors Degree from the University of Delaware in Electrical Engineering, followed by three Masters Degrees from Johns Hopkins in Computer Science, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Information Assurance. He most recently earned his doctorate in Systems Engineering from The George Washington University. Ralph spent the past five and a half years of his professional career as an employee at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. Prior to his work with APL, he started and managed two small companies, NB engineering and Alpha DVD. Outside of work and school, Ralph could be found spending time with his family, most likely on a soccer field. He was the number one fan for all three of his daughters throughout their various club, high school, and college soccer careers. He also enjoyed coaching, and refereeing local soccer games. One of his career highlights as a coach was leading his two eldest daughter's futsal (indoor soccer) team through the state and regional level championships to eventually win the national championship in 2012. He loved science fiction novels and movies, chess with Cindy, and riding his bike. Ralph was an incredibly kind and generous individual. Those of us lucky enough to have known him are better people because of him. We miss you. "The Road goes ever on and on Out from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone. Let others follow, if they can! Let them a journey new begin. But I at last with weary feet Will turn towards the lighted inn, My evening-rest and sleep to meet." ? J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings