BRANDON:
Robert Russel Ripley, age 86, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2021, at his home in Brandon.
Bob was born on October 27, 1935 in Earlville, New York. He was the son of Russel Ripley and Rena (Alderman) Ripley.
He grew up in Hamilton, New York where he received his early education. He graduated from Hamilton Central High School in 1955. He earned his degree from Norwich University, Northfield, VT in 1959. He served in the United States Army- attaining the rank of Captain. He was Honorably Discharged in 1969. He was a member of the Norwich Football Team, and was inducted into the Norwich Hall of Fame in 1983. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Otter Valley Union High School in 2014.
On July 20, 1957, he married Janipher Burgess, at the Park Methodist Church in Hamilton, New York.
Before his college graduation, he signed a contract with the New York Giants, and attended their summer training camp at St. Michaels' College in Winooski, VT. After his college graduation he went to Fort Knox, Kentucky to serve in the Army. In 1960, they moved to Brandon, Vermont.
In 1960, he was hired by Brandon High School/ Otter Valley Union High School as a Teacher, teaching History, Civics and Government. He retired in 1990 after 30 years of teaching. He worked week-ends and summers for Guy Eddy at Eddy's Marina, in Brandon- repairing boats and boat motors. He was hired by Neshobe School, and was a bus driver and cook, until his second retirement in 2006. Painting houses was also a part-time job during the summer.
He was a member of the Brandon Congregational Church and served on the Prudential Board. He belonged to St. Paul's Masonic Lodge #25, serving as Past Master, Marble Chapter #80, O.E.S. serving as Past Worthy Patron and was appointed Grand Representative to Michigan.
He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards, dining out and woodworking. He created several special keepsakes for his children and grandchildren; including dollhouses, barns, benches and tables. He enjoyed attending athletic events and supporting his grandchildren's interests.
He is survived by his daughters, Ellen (Ripley) Knapp and her husband Dale of Brandon, Vt, Terrie (Ripley) Patch and her husband Tim of Brandon, Vt., and his son, Rob Ripley and his wife Beth of Leicester, Vt., seven grandchildren, Hillary Knapp, Kelsey Knapp, Emily Patch Carter and Michael, Samantha Patch Graves and Brandon, Jeritt Patch, Amanda Ripley Quesnel and Paul Matthew, and Katherine Ripley and Cooper; and two great-grandsons, Luke Robert Quesnel and John Matthew Quesnel ; his brother-in-law, Carl Burgess and his wife Carol of Cortland, NY, two nieces, a nephew and several cousins. He was pre-deceased by his wife; Janipher on July 2, 2021, his father and mother, and sister, Ellen Joyce Ripley.
The memorial service “In Celebration of His Life” will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 11 AM, at the Brandon Congregational Church. A private graveside committal service and burial; with Military Honors; will follow, in the family lot at Pine Hill Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon on Friday, December 17, 2021 from 2-6 PM. Those wishing to pay their respects are ask to wear a face covering.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made, in his memory to; Norwich University, Schneider Legacy Project, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663 or to; Otter Valley Union High School- Athletic Department, 2997 Franklin Street, Brandon, VT 05733.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.
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