Ralph Michael Bishop's Obituary
Ralph Michael Bishop, M.D., 83 1941-2024
Ralph passed away on September 25. He was a man of many talents and dimensions, with a rich history both personal and professional. A dedicated doctor who served as an Air Force Captain treating veterans and families during the Viet Nam war, treated prisoners in jail, among others, during his residency at New York Eye and Ear, and practiced ophthalmology for more than 40 years in Ithaca, he cared deeply for all his patients. He was an avid deep-sea diver and underwater videographer. His love for the ocean and its many creatures is evident in his beautiful videos, many of which are housed in Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology. His diving adventures led him to oceans all around the world but he had a special love for the Outer Banks of North Carolina where he dove to explore shipwrecks many times. A dedicated Boston College football fan, his alma mater for undergraduate work, he rarely missed a game and often traveled to Boston to cheer the team on. He also loved his various pets, especially in his golden years, his dog, Sally,
His deepest love was for his wife, Carol, and his extended family, sons Ian (Meg) Bishop, Andrew (Antonia) Bishop, and Mathew (Tammy) Bishop, and grandchildren, Yonni, Nico, Mia, Ryan, and Reagan. He was also dedicated to his stepchildren, Brad King (Veronica) and Lisa Lewis (Steve) and step-grandson Adrian.
He is also survived by his sister, Joan, from Denver, CO and her children and grandchildren. In many ways, Ralph was modest, but others saw him as a man bigger than life in his passions, interests, and accomplishments.
He attended Dartmouth and McGill Medical Schools.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph R. and Anne J. Bishop, who were very proud of him.
Burial will be in Ithaca at the family’s convenience.
Donations can be made in his honor to the wonderful caregivers at:
Hospice and Palliative Care of Lake Norman
705 Griffith St. Suite 203
Davison, NV 28036
Or Piedmont Animal Rescue
227 East Waterlynn Rd.
Mooresville, NC 28117
May he rest in peace.
Online condolences are accepted at http://jamesfuneralhomelkn.com/
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