Ralph L. Gastley, Jr

Attorney Ralph L. Gastley, Jr., 81, of Jefferson, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at Frederick Memorial Hospital.

He was born on February 9, 1937, in Frederick, MD, to the late Ralph L. Gastley and Mary Catherine (Shankle) Gastley. He was the beloved husband of Carolyn Baker Gastley for 56 years.

Ralph was a 1955 graduate of Frederick High School. He received his BA from the University of Maryland at College Park in 1959, and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1962. He began his law career as a law clerk with attorney W. Jerome Offutt and opened his own practice in 1965. He was a partner in Gastley and Stillrich then returned to his own private practice until his retirement after practicing law for 45 years. During that time, he served as Frederick City Attorney and Frederick County Attorney. He also served on the Frederick County Planning Commission and the Republican State Central Committee.

Mr. Gastley was a member of the Maryland and National Bar Associations; The National Exchange Club; was a life member of the Frederick Elks Club and was a Model T Ford antique car enthusiast. He was a die-hard Washington Redskins fan plus an avid NASCAR fan and attended many races across the country.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Carolyn; three children; Steven Douglas of Delaware, Diann Marie

of Frederick and Russell LeRoy and his wife, Kerry of Knoxville; two grandchildren; two brothers, Harry L. and his wife, Tolovia of Reno, Nevada, and Michael J. and his wife, Mary of Frederick, plus several nieces and nephews.

Ralph cherished time spent with his family and loved to travel. He especially liked dining out and going on cruises and several of the most memorable were the Panama Canal and Alaska. He also loved animals including dogs and horses and was especially proud of the many awards and ribbons won by his family members over the years. He will be fondly remembered by many who knew him for his friendly demeanor and colorful language.

Friends may call from 3 to 9pm on Tuesday, July 24 at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E Church Street, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 9pm. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, July 25th from the funeral home, with the family receiving friends from 10am until time of services. Private interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Hospice of Frederick County, PO Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at keeneybasford.com.