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Paul RIPPETH Obituary
PJ was born in San Antonio, Texas, and had lived most of his life in Smithfield and most recently had lived in Newport News.
PJ was a 1996 graduate of Smithfield High School. He was an Eagle Scout, Troop 3, and had been an EMT with Smithfield Volunteer Rescue Squad. He was a beloved son, a hard worker and an animal lover especially to his 'best friend", Lady Bug.
Left to cherish his memories is his mother, Elsie Sylvester and her husband, Martin, of Newport News; and his father, Paul E. Rippeth Sr. of Bumpass; his brothers, Daniel Keith Rippeth and his wife, Heather and Mitchell Sylvester; and niece, Sierra; and nephews, Eryk and Jacob all of Newport News; aunts, Bonnie Mulligan, Linda Stiltz, Frances Almieda, Frances Morgan and Shirley Thompson; uncles, Cecil, Luther, Ronnie, Kenneth Glass and David Wyatt; a host of cousins including, Charles and David Thompson, and extended family.
A service celebrating PJ's life will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, in Colonial Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be private.
The family suggests memorial contributions to CHKD, 601 Childrens Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507.
Cremation services are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul RIPPETH
Tom, Dianna, Thomas and Michelle Baise
April 18, 2010
Elsie, Paul and Daniel
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Although we have not seen PJ in a number of years, we will fondly remember him from our years living on Smith Drive. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Katie Wyatt
April 12, 2010
Elsie, Martin, Paul & Daniel
Our hearts are filled with sadness at your sudden loss of PJ. We can not imagine the pain you feel now but wanted to let you know that our loving thoughts are with you.
No words can express how much a part of your life PJ was, and will always be, and for sure we know that PJ will be held in your hearts forever. PJ was always giving us a shining example of kindness and caring, with a brave and can do attitude.
Although distance and time separated us as Rushmere neighbors- your family is close in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. May God strengthen you during this time and give you courage for each day.
Our family sends our love across the miles to yours.
John & Katie Wyatt, Rachael & JD
Robert Puckett
April 8, 2010
As I search for the words to express my sympathies to the families and friends of Paul, I am at an utter loss. The lad has touched the lives of all of us in some form or another during his brief time here. It goes without saying that he will truly be missed. Let us not only mourn our loss, but let's also celebrate Paul's life; he was certainly an amazing person.
Thedor Seuss Geisel wrote, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Wanda Egolf Ballou
April 8, 2010
It's been many years since I've seen PJ, but I remember what a sweet little boy he was. My heart goes out to you.
Kimberly Triplett (Hinnant)
April 7, 2010
I am so sorry for the loss of Paul to the Rippeth and Sylvester families. He was a good man and his heart was always in the right place. I will always have good memories of him. My sympathy and heart goes out to you all. I could not imagine how hard it would be to lose a child now that I have one. Please take care of each other in this difficult time and always.
Marta Laskus
April 6, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. Your son was an incredible man, and it was an honor knowing him. He will be dearly missed but will live on in our hearts forever. May he rest in peace.
Lisa Harris White
April 6, 2010
Dear Elsie and Paul.
I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the depths of your sorrow, just know that you have family and friends that support and love you during this awful time. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.
April 6, 2010
Dear Paul and Elsie,
I was shocked to read about Paul this morning. My heart goes out to all of you. I cannot imagine the loss of a child. My deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Ms Brita
Donna Rippeth
April 6, 2010
Paul and family,
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Remember that death cannot seperate you from PJ. He will forever live in your heart. May he rest in peace.
steve little
April 6, 2010
Daniel and I am so sorry for your lost..your family will be in our prayers.Elsie please take care
Donnie & Belinda Mason
April 6, 2010
Paul and family,
I was so shocked when I saw this in the paper. I served some time with Paul Jr. in the IOW Rescue Squad, and he was such a nice young man. My heart goes out to all of you in this time of loss. Hold on to those memories and good times spent together. May God give you strength and lift you up in the days ahead.
Wayne and Angee Carawan-Torrence
April 6, 2010
Our thoughts and Prayers are with the family and friends of PJ. May he rest in Peace. God Bless.
April 6, 2010
Paul & Elsie I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know that PJ will be dearly missed. It was a shock to hear this. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I was glad to know PJ
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