Ralph W. Floody served both active and inactive duty in the Navy Reserves, training at Annapolis naval Academy. During World War I, he served on the USS Brooks, USS Huron, USS Holland and USS Manchuria, as well as on several submarines, including the S-22. In 1918, he graduated from the New York State Teachers' College, and became a math teacher before being appointed principal of the Smithtown Branch High School.

During World War II, unable to participate in active naval duty, he instead served as a civilian in several capacities, assisting in the administration of the selective service system, as a member of the Army Air Force Aircraft Warning Service Reserve, as a member of the Salvation Army Board, and on the Suffolk County Rationing Board. Later, he received a master's degree from Columbia University, as well as a degree in the Administration of Junior and Senior High Schools, and a degree in Business Management.