Longtime Councilor Ralph Saulnier Dies At 84

Ralph Saulnier, a Ward Six City Councilor for 24 years during the sixties, 70's and 80's, has died at the age of 84.

Saulnier passed away Thursday at Our Lady's Haven.

Saulnier, a conservative Republican, was a Marine who served in Korea and later spent five years in the Reserves.

He was first elected to the Council in the early sixties and was twice elected City Council President.

Former City Councilor Tom Kennedy had high praise for Saulnier's ability to understand the city budget. "Ralph was one of the greatest City Councilors that ever represented  us in the City of New Bedford.. This guy protected the taxpayers more than any other City Councilor in New Bedford History."  And when it came to the budget says Kennedy, "not a nickle got by him."

Funeral services for Ralph Saulnier are scheduled for Tuesday, 11am at Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals on Park Street. Visiting hours are Monday 3-7pm.