Chief Ralph Sturges, 88; helped Mohegan tribe earn federal recognition

Mohegan Chief Ralph Sturges, 88, who helped shepherd his eastern Connecticut tribe through federal recognition and the development of its highly successful casino, died of lung cancer Sunday at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, Conn., tribal officials said.

The Mohegans earned federal recognition in 1994, two years after Sturges was elected chief for life. Their Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Conn., one of the largest in the world, opened in 1996. Before becoming chief, Sturges was a payroll deliveryman for an armored car company and a disaster relief coordinator and public relations director for the Salvation Army.

Sturges, who was born on Christmas Day 1918, traced his Mohegan ancestry to his mother’s family. He was part of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and during World War II served in the Army’s intelligence division in New Guinea and the Philippines, earning a Bronze Star, the tribe said.

Sturges also was a sculptor. His works can be found at the Connecticut State Capitol and New London City Hall, the tribe said.