In Memory of

Eugene

"Gene"

Ripka

III

Obituary for Eugene "Gene" Ripka III

Eugene E. Ripka III, 66, of Fort Washington, died unexpectedly at home on Thursday, October 4, 2018. Born February 1, 1952, in Lewistown, PA, he was the son of the late Eugene E. Ripka and Betty (Rhodes) Ripka. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Anna Louise Stephens, his mother, Betty Ripka; and siblings,, Valarie (Mark) DeVecchis, of McLure,PA and Jeffrey Ripka of Lewistown. He is a 1970 graduate of Lewistown-Granville High School and attended Barrington College in Rhode Island and Clarion College in Pennsylvania. He retired from Verizon Communications. He was a member of Oxon Hill United Methodist Church for the past 25 years. Gene was an avid reader on diverse topics and had an amazing ability to remember what he read. He was a kind man who enjoyed listening and talking with anyone on any topic. This Spring he celebrated 11 years of sobriety. As an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, he opened he mind and heart to other members, encouraged those who were struggling and assumed the responsibility of treasurer and setting up the weekly meetings. He was respected and appreciated by other members. Gene's sincerity, quick wit, sense of humor and knowledge will be missed by all who knew him.

Services and interment will be private.