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Ralph F. Spinnler, 88, of Branford, formerly of Glastonbury, died peacefully at his home on Oct. 14 surrounded by his family. The youngest child of Rose and Aloysius Spinnler, Ralph was born on July 25, 1939 in Lynbrook, New York. A graduate of Lynbrook High School, Ralph received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Duke University and a masters degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He earned a commission in the United States Navy through the NROTC program at Duke. Ralph married his hometown sweetheart, Cynthia Williams, and they moved to Yorktown, Virginia, before settling in Connecticut.

He joined Raymond Engineering in 1969 where he began a project to investigate the market potential and technical feasibility of a wireless transmission system for communicating data from an oil well to the surface. A joint venture company was formed with Raymond and Elf Aquitaine and in 1972, Teleco Oilfield Services, Inc., was incorporated. Teleco began commercial services in 1978 with operations in the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea and in 1979 Ralph was elected chief executive officer. In March 1984, Teleco Oilfield Services, Inc., was acquired by Sonat Inc. Ralph remained as CEO of Teleco until the company was sold to Bakery Hughes in 1992. Ralph took great pride in the Teleco family. Above-all he believed in the importance of hiring the best people. After retirement, he was honored to serve on the board of APS Inc., a company started by a group of former employees.

Ralph Spinnler is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cynthia Marie Williams Spinnler and their three daughters, Julie Spinnler Crager and her three children Jack, Elizabeth, and Ned; Marie Spinnler Gooding and her two sons Griffin and Grady; and Laurie Spinnler Bonner, her husband Michael Bonner, and their two children Hadley and Cole. He is survived by his sister, Florence Spinnler of Boise, Idaho, and by numerous nieces and nephews. Ralph was predeceased by his elder sister, Evelyn Spinnler Unger and his beloved brother Robert Spinnler.

Ralph will be remembered as a loving, kind, and generous family man. He enjoyed teaching and sharing his many passions, including tennis, golf, art, photography, and skiing with his daughters, grandchildren, and many close friends. Ralph had a special love and connection with the nature and beauty of Nantucket. He treasured his family time there sailing, fishing, and teaching his daughters life lessons.

A true engineer at heart, he took great pleasure in tinkering around on his work bench making potato launchers, kites, model airplanes, and boats to share with his family.

Calling hours were held Oct. 17 at the W.S. Clancy Funeral Home, Branford, followed by a funeral Mass at St. Therese Church Branford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a Scholarship Fund at Duke University, Pratt School of Engineering in Ralph’s name. For his online obituary, visit www.wsclancy.com.