John Ripper, III
John Ripper, III., age 88, of Franklin Park, PA, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final days, as well as by prayer, laughter, and his favorite songs. Born on October 19, 1936, in Windber, PA, he was the son of the late John Ripper, Jr. and Mary (Russian) Ripper.
He is survived by his beloved bride of 64 years, Doris Jean (Ripple) Ripper; his children, Melissa and Brian, Scott and Christopher; his loving brother, Bernie (Kay) Ripper; his loving sister, Carol (Bob) Burnworth, and many nieces and nephews. He would also want to give special thanks to Tom Hillman for his unwavering love, dedication, and support.
John graduated with honors from the University of Pittsburgh and was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, working with the 54th Fighter Group out of Greater Pittsburgh Airport. He then ventured into the world of computers in their infancy days, first with IBM and then Online Systems in Pittsburgh, until his semi-retirement in 1987.
His love of food and all things food-related started young, in his mother’s kitchen with her pierogies, halupkii, ravioli, and vegetable soup. He loved playing Santa Claus with his faithful elf as she drove her convertible down the streets of Bethel Park. John organized, with meticulous detail, many A.A.R.P. bus trips to Cape Cod, the Smoky Mountains, Amish country, and Vermont. He loved Dollar Tree and trading stocks with equal passion and had an opinion about everything. The only thing that eclipsed his love of family and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups was his love of storytelling.
Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable health problems later in life, he never quit fighting and always remembered to thank those who provided his care. Heroes come in many shapes and sizes, and you were ours. Until we see you again, we will hold you close through all the little daily reminders you left behind for us.
A committal ceremony with military funeral honors will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Rd., Bridgeville, PA 15107. Everyone, please meet at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice at the link below.