Obituary: Ralph L. Hight
Ralph L. Hight, longtime Biddeford resident, Navy veteran and devoted family man, dies at 82
BIDDEFORD — Ralph L. Hight, a Hills Beach resident whose life spanned military service, a career in telecommunications and a second career with local law enforcement, died peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Biddeford. He was 82.
Born in Biddeford on Aug. 20, 1943, Hight was the son of Fred Kenneth Hight and Rita (Mathurin) Hight. After graduating from Biddeford High School, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, spending time overseas aboard the USS Fred T. Berry. The experience stayed with him for the rest of his life, and family members say he remained a devoted patriot long after his service ended.
In 1963, Hight met his future wife, Simonne Mondor, at a dance. The two were married on Nov. 12, 1966, and would have marked their 60th wedding anniversary later this year. Their daughter, Karen, was a central focus of his life, and he took particular pride in watching her start a family of her own.
Following his Navy service, Hight built a career with New England Telephone, eventually rising to a supervisor position. After retiring from the telephone company, he returned to public service as an employee of the Biddeford Police Department.
Those who knew him describe Hight as sharp-witted and direct, with a keen sense of humor and a straightforward manner that left no doubt where he stood. An avid history buff, he was especially drawn to the Civil War era and was an active participant in historical reenactments.
He was also adventurous. Hight enjoyed hunting and fishing, and in his 40s he took up car racing. Friends and family recall his love of storytelling and his willingness to share whatever he knew with anyone willing to pull up a chair.
Above all, he was a family man. Hight served as the devoted grandfather — "Pepere" — to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was rarely seen at a gathering without his video camera in hand, recording holidays, graduations and other milestones. He was grateful to have met his two great-grandsons and often spoke of his wish to see them grow older, according to family.
Hight is survived by his wife of 59 years, Simonne, of Hills Beach; his daughter, Karen Grenier of Old Orchard Beach; his grandson, Nicholas Grenier and his wife Brianna of Freeport; his granddaughter, Tayler Lauzon and her husband Zachary of Biddeford; two great-grandsons, Beckett and Brooks; his sisters, Carol Aseltine of Northfield, Vt., and Mary Lou DeLuca of Port Orange, Fla.; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, at St. Margaret's Church in Old Orchard Beach. A graveside service with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford, with a Celebration of Life to be held at St. Joseph's Church in Biddeford after the burial.
Arrangements are being handled by Cote Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to a Maine veterans' organization of the donor's choice.
