Raymond A. Ripa, 87, a resident of Swoyersville, passed away early Sunday morning, February 28, 2016, at Saint Luke’s Villa, Wilkes-Barre.

His loving wife is Barbara J. (Puchalsky) Ripa. Together, Ray and Barbara shared 59 wonderful years of marriage.

Born on November 03, 1928, in Exeter, Ray was the son of the late Charles and Margaret (Petro) Ripa.

Ray was a graduate of the former Exeter High School, Class of 1946.

A United States Navy veteran, Ray honorably served overseas for nearly four years during the Korean Conflict. His military career also included service in the United States Army Reserve, where he achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.

Ray retired after 20 years of civilian service with the 300th Field Hospital, United States Army Reserve.

A faithful Catholic, Ray was a longtime member of the former Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church, Swoyersville. Following the consolidation, he became a member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville.

Ray was a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-PA), Wilkes-Barre Chapter, for many years. Additionally, he volunteered in years past with the Swoyersville Little League as a coach, and served as its Secretary as well.

After retiring, Ray enjoyed visits from his children and grandchildren, and monthly get-togethers with his former co-workers. He was an avid golfer and a loyal fan of Penn State football and the New York Yankees.

In addition to his parents, Charles and Margaret Ripa, Ray was preceded in death by his three brothers, Charles, Daniel and Robert Ripa; and his sister, Betty Gaj.

In addition to his loving wife, Barbara, Ray is survived by his three sons, Michael Ripa and his wife, Elizabeth, Leesburg, VA; Mitchell Ripa and his wife, Irene, Solon, OH; and Raymond Ripa Jr., Wilkes-Barre; his four daughters, Janet Ripa, Kingston; Lorraine Baer, Harrisburg; Jackie Weimmer and her husband, Fred, Howell, NJ;  and Judy Orebaugh and her husband, Errol, Richmond, VA; his nine grandchildren, Matt, Ryan, and Jessica Baer; Adam, Garrett, and Jordan Ripa; Kristen Weimmer;  and Lindsay and Natalie Orebaugh; his great-grandchild, Rylan Baer; his two sisters, Madeline Serafine, Pittston, and Marcella Fountain, Exeter; as well as generations of nieces and nephews.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Friday, March 04, 2016, at 9:30 AM, from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Joseph J. Pisaneschi, his Pastor, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 03, 2016, from 1:00 to 3:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send the Ripa Family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home web-site www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s memory to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-PA), Wilkes-Barre Chapter, 100 East Union Street, Second Floor-Suite 6, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.