Ralph Russell Firth, 81, of Phillipsburg, died Saturday, February 3, 2001 in his home.

He was a machine operator at the former Canister Co., on Broad Street in Phillipsburg, which later became Sonoco Products.

Born October 4, 1919 in Phillipsburg, he was the son of the late Albert and Mary Wilson Firth.

He was a Technician Fourth Grade in the United States Army and Company A 5th Signal Battalion during World War Two in Central Europe, Ardennes, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland. He was awarded the American Defense Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews. Two brothers, John and Raymond and three sisters, Mary Holly, Alice Calawonsen and Lila Weidner all died earlier.

Interment with military honors were held Wednesday, February 21, 2001 in the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in North Hanover, NJ.

Funeral arrangements were arranged by the Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 South Main St., Phillipsburg.