Ralph D. Rippey, 89,  passed away peacefully on March 6, 2022, at his home in Marlton, NJ.

Born in Bismarck, West Virginia in 1932, Ralph was the son of Walter Carl Rippey and Rachel Violet (Cosner) Rippey.  Following the death of his father when he was just 12, Ralph helped his mother care and provide for his 5 younger siblings and was an instrumental, benevolent force in their childhood.  Upon graduating high school as valedictorian, Ralph served 4 years in the Navy aboard the USS Mullany (DD-528) and was the recipient of the Navy Occupation Service Medal (European Clasp) and the National Defense Service Medal.  After his time in the Navy, Ralph matriculated from West Virginia University, and received his masters degree in electrical engineering from Drexel University.  He spent his entire career in the defense industry, beginning at RCA Corporation and ultimately retired from General Electric.   Many of his years were spent working on the Aegis Combat System.  His work for RCA also included a 3 year stay with his family on the island of Kwajalein in the South Pacific.

Ralph was devoted to his wife Joan and cherished the time they spent together whether at home or on their many travel adventures.  He had a large circle of friends with whom he and Joan regularly socialized.  Many of his closest friends were those he met during his tenure at RCA Moorestown or on Kwajalein.  He coached his daughters' softball and soccer teams, attended dozens of swim meets, and spent many evenings rehearsing lines for high school plays.  Ralph was curious about everything and was a crossword puzzle devotee. He shared his love of learning with his grandchildren.  He loved weekends with Joan, his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren in Ocean City, New Jersey.  He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church Riverton, NJ and in his youth attended Locust Grove Church of the Brethren in Mount Storm, WV.  He had a quick wit and loved telling tales about his time in the Navy and his life growing up in West Virginia. His entire life, Ralph lived by a strong work ethic, steadfast integrity, and sense of fairness. These traits live on in his children and grandchildren. He had an extraordinarily kind heart and positively impacted many during his lifetime.

Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Joan; his daughters, Ila Vassallo (John) and Susan Miller (Rick); his three grandchildren, Thomas Vassallo, Rachel Vassallo and Cory Miller; brother Robert Rippey (the late Marianna); and sister Linda Yokum (Harlan).  In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by brothers, Gene Rippey (Iris Jean), Wayne Rippey (Jane) and his sister Eleanor Wykle (Charlie).  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held for Ralph on Friday, March 18th at 10:00am, at Christ Episcopal Church, 305 Main Street, Riverton, NJ 08077.  Interment will follow in the Church Memorial Garden with Military honors.

A memorial service will be held at Locust Grove Church of the Brethren, Mt. Storm, WV at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Locust Grove Church of the Brethren, P. O. Box 178, Mt. Storm, WV  26739 or to the Allegheny Mt. Top Public Library, 8455 Union Highway (Rt. 42), Mt. Storm, WV 26739.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.weberfuneralhomeinc.com