PORT LEYDEN, NY — William A. Ripp, 68, of Bradenton, Florida, a former resident of Port Leyden, passed away after a brief illness, on June 7, 2018, at Blake Medical Center, Bradenton, Florida.
Affectionately known as Bill, he was born in Lowville, on February 9, 1950, a son of the late John and Natalie Boland Ripp. Bill attended Port Leyden Central School and graduated from South Lewis Senior High School, Turin. Thereafter he furthered his education at SUNY Alfred, where he majored in Civil Engineering.
Mr. Ripp enlisted in the US Navy in 1974, serving in active duty from 1974-1981. Thereafter he served in the US Navy Reserve from 1981 to 1996, gaining the rank of Lieutenant, with a specialty in aviation electronics. Following his honorable discharge and Navy retirement, Mr. Ripp was employed with several major corporations in installation, maintenance and servicing of telecommunications equipment.
Bill’s great love for travel began while serving in the Navy and continued throughout his life. His many traveling experiences included visiting countries around the world and Iceland. Among his favorite places to visit were Yosemite and Grand Teton National Parks. Very recently Bill had completed a 15,000 mile trip throughout the western United States while visiting favorite parks and close friends, of which he had many.
Bill was able to combine his love of travel with his keen interest and enjoyment of photography, a skill which he eagerly shared his knowledge of with many students/friends in Florida.
He is survived by four brothers, Michael (Judy) Ripp, Lyons Falls, Brian Ripp, Port Leyden, Sean (Lou Anne) Ripp, Sackets Harbor, Alan (Lyn) Ripp, Port Leyden; four sisters, Mary Ripp, Port Leyden, Patricia (Thomas) Koubek, Howell, NJ, Kathleen Ripp, Hawthorne, NY, and Laura (Paul) Lazarus, Lowville; aunts, Carolyn Jaquin, Syracuse and Gwendolyn Ripp, Vero Beach, FL and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bill was predeceased by his wife, Suzanne Miller Ripp, and a brother, Mark, who passed away in 2018.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. at Calvary Cemetery, Port Leyden. Military Rites will be provided by Charles J. Love Post # 406, American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. and Tun Tavern Marine Corps League, all of Boonville. Arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. Boonville.
For an on-line message of sympathy, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com.
