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Ex-NY Supreme Court Justice, Longtime Dutchess Resident Ralph Beisner Dies

Former Dutchess County Supreme Court Justice, lawyer and pastor Ralph Beisner died at 78 on Monday, Dec. 14. 

Ralph Beisner passed away on Monday, Dec. 14 at 78 years old.

Ralph Beisner passed away on Monday, Dec. 14 at 78 years old.

Photo Credit: Sweet's Funeral Home in Hyde Park

“Ralph Beisner dedicated his life to his family and his community, and Dutchess County joins his loved ones in mourning his passing and celebrating his legacy of strong faith and devoted service," said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro of Beisner's passing. "Ralph was from Dutchess County and a lawyer, New York State Supreme Court Justice, author, artist, and pastor, but most important to him was his role as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. 

"We extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time, and I have instructed flags in all County facilities to fly at half-staff in his memory.”

Beisner served as a New York State Supreme Court Justice in the ninth district from 1984 until 2002. 

Previously, Beisner was designated as a hearing officer in the NYS Unified Court System, counseled the Republican leader of the New York State Assemly from 1973 until 1979, was an Assistant District Attorney in Queens county between 1969 and 1973 and practiced as a lawyer privately between 1979 until 1983. 

Beisner was born on Nov. 26 in 1942 to German immigrants John and Anne Beisner. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his brother John and his daughter, Allisyn, who he called "my pal Al" according to his obituary

Alongside his legal career, Beisner was an author, artist, and pastor of The Father's Paradigm. 

Beisner was married to Inger, the "love of his life," for 58 years. Together, the pair had three daughters: Lynda, Kristine and Allisyn. 

Beisner is survived by two of his three daughters, five grandchildren, his sister-in-law Sharon, his niece Jil, his nephew Michael, his father-in-law "Grandpa Joe" and their families. 

"His diagnosis gave us the opportunity to realize the precious gift that life is and drew us even closer as a family," reads Beisner's obituary. "The three years of fighting will not be what is remembered most. 

"It will be the years of love, memories, stories, lessons, sarcasm, wit, and guidance he gave us all. We know that he is now dancing on the streets that are golden."

Donations in Beisner's honor can be made to the Light to the Nations Fellowship, PO Box 607505, Orlando, FL 32860, or, Kaleo International, c/o Joshua Muse, PO Box 971511, El Paso, TX 79910.

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