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Robert Ripich Obituary
Beloved Dr. Robert J. Ripich peacefully passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 in his slice of paradise at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Fla. He was wrapped in his daughter's arms and surrounded by his family. His time on earth with us was cut too short because we believe he simply lived a full life in much less time than it takes most. He is missed dearly. His kind and gentle soul touched the lives of many, and he will be forever cherished by his family, friends and patients. He was born on June 25, 1941 in Canton, Ohio. He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1959. He attended both Brown University and The Ohio State University, graduating with his DDS in 1968. Following in his father's footsteps, he continued his family dental practice in Canton, Ohio practicing for over 50 years until he retired the end of 2019. A member of the Stark County Dental Society; Ohio Dental Society; American Dental Association and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He served in the U.S. Army as a Major in the Medical Corp. during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Tadmor Shriners; AASR – Valley of Canton Scottish Rite; Blue Lodge Canton 60; St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Massillon and Brookside Country Club.
He is greeted in heaven by his mother and father, John and Letitia Ripich. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Catherine Shew Ripich; daughter, Alexandra Ripich (Robert Eckerman); sister, Donna (James) Bower; nephew, James (Patricia) Bower; niece, Kristel (Gregory) Thomas and niece, Lara Sanders; sister, Joanne (Gerald) Medinger; niece, Kimberly Haring and nephew, Wesley (Eva San Pedro) Koontz.
He was laid to rest during a small family ceremony at North Lawn Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in the months to follow, details will be printed later and available through Arnold Funeral Home. We ask in lieu of flowers donations be made to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church and The Ohio State University Foundation, College of Dentistry Building Fund #312354.
www.arnoldfuneralhome.com
Arnold - Canton
330-456-7291
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ripich
Linda voneman
June 29, 2024
Wow I can't believe it's been 4 years since you've been gone hasn't been easy finding a dentist who is as caring as you were after I had been going to you forty plus years you were also my friend miss you
Bill & Margit Strickmaker
September 30, 2020
So terribly sad to just hear this! Dr Ripich was such a wonderful Dr and person. Absolutely loved my visits with him. Loved talking to him and sharing stories with him! This news comes as such a shock I just find it so hard to believe. I Pray for the Dr. and his Family. Dr Ripich was such a Great person May he Rest In Peace!
Kathy Rose
July 28, 2020
He was a sweet and gentle man. Everyone I know adored him. He was a wonderful dentist. He will be missed dearly. I am so glad I had the privilege of knowing him.
Ralph Hughes
July 20, 2020
To the Family of Doctor Ripich,
I was saddened when I found out about Dr. Ripich. I first met him in my late teens and quickly became a fan. Up until that time, I only saw a dentist as needed and I didnt have good dental habits. He was more than a doctor to me, he was a friend. He took care of me as a friend would.
I retired three years ago and moved to South Carolina. I lost track of Dr. Ripich.
Dr. Ripich will always be in my thoughts for all the kindness that he showed my family, me and everyone who knew him. He used to say that I was his favorite patient, but I know everyone was.
Sadly missed,
Ralph Hughes
Murrells Inlet, SC
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Crissy Kolarik
July 15, 2020
My children loved Dr. Ripich and looked forward to dentist visits. He was so special. He was a life long friend of our family. He will be missed. Sending peace and comfortable to those who loved him.
Vivian and Mike Tisevich
July 15, 2020
This is such sad news. I started going to Dr. Ripich's father when I was 17 or 18. Both doctors took care of my mother, father, sisters, then Dr. Ripich Jr. took care of my husband and children, too. He saw our children grow and we saw his daughter grow through pictures and stories. He loved his family dearly. Such a good man, so kind and genuinely interested in his patients. He went the extra mile to help my mom and sister when they needed him. I remember being at the healthcare facility my sister was living in and the Activities Director and a few of us volunteers were talking. Somehow we got on the subject of dentists, and we suddenly realized the three of us were all going to Dr. Ripich and all of us couldn't give him enough praise. Every night when I use the tongue cleaner he invented, I think of him.
Deepest sympathy to Mrs. Ripich, their daughter and his many friends, family and patients.
Tina Tornow
July 13, 2020
I truly loved Dr. Ripich. Ever since I was a young child I remember my mother bringing me to him and to this day my family and I still go to his practice because of the wonderful caring man and Dr. he was. My heart breaks for his family. Truly know your father was loved by many.
Michael, Tina, Ben and Elliot Tornow
Jeff Fleck
July 12, 2020
Dr. Ripich was my dentist since I was 16 or 17 and I am 60 now. The length of time I was his patient speaks volumes for the kind of dentist and person I knew him to be, awesome. I am sure he helped a lot of people. His life is one that was well lived and will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
TED BENDER
July 12, 2020
I will miss Dr Bob greatly. I have been a patient of him and his father for 65 years. Since 1955. He went to Cedar grade school with my brother Jack. With Bob, the patient came first. The hygienists were always amazed how long his patients had been coming to see him. We always had a good conversation about the Buckeyes. He will be deeply missed.
Mike S
July 11, 2020
Our family Dentist
As a kid I thought he was so cool
He always had a nice tan and drove a Corvette... coolest dentist ever!
Mary Jo McElroy
July 9, 2020
My mother started taking her nine children to John Ripich DDS (Robert's father) in the 1950s. He was a wonderful and kind man as well as a good dentist. When I grew up, Robert became my dentist and remained so until I moved away from the Canton area in 1978. I cherish the excellent dental care he provided, as well as his gentle manner with his patients.
carol caprita
July 8, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
John and Melanie Shaeffer
July 8, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. He will be sadly missed.
Lawrence Chapanar
July 7, 2020
You left too soon, Bob. You were a good friend with a good heart and a warm smile. I will always remember our times together. RIP, my friend.
Lawrence Chapanar
Rose Heacock
July 7, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dr. Joe Niamtu, III
July 7, 2020
Dr. Bob was a gentleman and scholar. He was a mentor that led me from dental school to cosmetic facial surgery. He allowed me to hang out and shadow him at his office. Will miss you buddy.
Michael Lind
July 6, 2020
Bob was such a kind soul and always made time to see me when I stopped by to visit as his dental supply salesman. I'm deeply saddened to lose a friend who was passionate about his family, dentistry, tongue sweeping, and cared so much about people. I learned so much from him. He had great curiosity and a great sense of humor. I will miss our visits. My deepest sympathy to Cathy and Alex. May the countless wonderful memories assuage your grief and may He rest in the eternal peace of our Heavenly Father.
Michael Lind
Doug Babb
July 6, 2020
I, like so many others mourn the loss of Dr. Ripich. He was my dentist ever since I can remember, and became as much a friend. He was always there for his patients, always took a few minutes to chat and share a few laughs. I can't say enough good things about him. He was truly one of a kind, and will be missed more than words can say. My sympathy to the family. Rest in peace, Doc.
Joyce Jones
July 6, 2020
Jacques and I went to Dr. Ripich since before we were married. He became like family to us. We always looked forward to our appointments and felt they were like visits with our best friend. As a dentist he was able to do things painlessly and in a way no other dentist has done for us. After we moved to Florida he would work us in anytime we came back to Ohio - even on the weekends. We had hoped that one day we could get together in Florida, but that wasn't to be. He was a very special person and is greatly missed. I know you are making heaven a better place, Dr. Bob.
Jo E Bortz
July 6, 2020
I'm really going to miss this great man. So kind and compassionate. More like a friend than a dentist. I've been going to him for close to 40 years. You've left quite a legacy Dr. Ripich. The community will truly miss you.
Jo Bortz
Karen Moser
July 6, 2020
Dr. Ripich has been my dentist for a number of years. I remember him as one of the most kind and gentle human beings. May he Rest In Peace.
RITA SHISLER
July 6, 2020
So very sad to hear of Dr. Ripich's passing. He was the best dentist ever, kind, compassionate, friendly, always joking and caring. Many prayers for his family. Dentist visits will never be the same. Our Romanian heritage was so wonderful to discuss while he was fixing my teeth. You will be missed so much, Dr. Ripich.
Val
July 6, 2020
Dr. Ripich was a wonderful dentist and a very giving and kind man. He went above and beyond for me. I had an abscess on a Sunday morning. He met us after church and fixed it well enough to get me through til Monday morning. I always appreciated him and his wonderful staff!
Bob Bourquin
July 6, 2020
I have been a patient of Dr Ripich for over 45 years. He was more than just a doctor, he treated patients like friends. God bless and prayers. Bob Bourquin
Michelle M Diano
July 6, 2020
To the Ripich Family,
Dr. Ripich was a very knid and wonderful man. He was a great dentist and human being. He will be greatly missed, and always remembered by us. You have our deepest smypathy.
Marelne & Michelle Diano
Judi Muccilli Abrigg
July 5, 2020
I am shocked to hear of Bob Ripichs passing. I have been going to him over 40 yrs. He was always there for me when needed and always said if you feel you need me call me at home and was so gracious when I did one time. He will be missed deeply. A very kind, passionate, and funny man. My sympathy to
His wife and daughter and the family. I always enjoyed looking at the pictures on the wall in his office. God Bless RIP
Diana Salla
July 5, 2020
Our sympathies to Bobs family and close friends which were all who knew him. He has been our Dentist for over 40 years. Once you went to Bob you never went anywhere else. Always looked forward to talking Disney with him. Gerry and I loved him and will always hold his memory within our hearts.
Gerry and Dee Salla
Judi Muccilli Abrigg
July 5, 2020
I am shocked to hear of Bob Ripichs passing. I have been going to him over 40 yrs. He was always there for me when needed and always said if you feel you need me call me at home and was so gracious when I did one time. He will be missed deeply. A very kind, passionate, and funny man. My sympathy to
His wife and daughter and the family. I always enjoyed looking at the pictures on the wall in his office. God Bless RIP
DAVID AND LYNN SMITH
July 5, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Bob was the best dentist ever, so gentle, I didn't have novicane when he filled my teeth! What a great guy! He was my dentist for more than 40 years!
Lisa Martin
July 5, 2020
One of my favorite people. So kind, sweet, funny, and compassionate. Ill never find another dentist like him, and he will be missed tremendously.
Linda voneman
July 5, 2020
Cathy and Alexandra so sorry for your loss and so saddened And cant believe he is gone I started going to him when he was working with his dad I have known him for about 50 years he was not just my dentist he was My friend I was there with marvalene Jeannie I knew him when he lived at wood side terrace started taking my children there when they were 2 years old every 6 months knew about his parents Florida trips and then when he met you and when your daughter was born over the years knew about your interior decorating and throughout the years about Alex in school then jobs where she was living if I had a bad toothache he always got me in when I called if after hours or day closed I could call your home and he would come in thats the kind of person and friend he was I never took novacaine He was that good I saw him beginning of December and we had our usual conversations about everyone and didnt know when I left I wouldnt see him again I could go on but what I do know Is I will truly miss one of my best friends
Jay Hardman
July 5, 2020
Bob was a real "student of life"...always curious and often questioning why things were done a certain way. He loved to bring his lunch guest at Brookside down to show off our indoor tennis facility. I often teased him that he just wanted to show them how many times his name appeared on our Championship boards. I just called him "The Legend!"...I'm pretty sure he is in God's ear with that great "grin" of his asking how things are done in Heaven!
Linda Longstreth
July 5, 2020
Such a great man! Dr. Ripich was our family dentist for many years. He will be missed! Our deepest condolences to his family.
Linda and Alan Longstreth
Datkuliak family
July 5, 2020
such a wonderful man. Our whole family will miss him. We went to him for forty years. God be with his family.
Steve Root
July 5, 2020
Joanne, Donna and family,
I'm sorry to hear of Bob's passing. May the many happy memories of his life help soften your grief .He was a fine gentleman.
Stacy Cassidy
July 5, 2020
im sorry to hear the news of Dr Ripichs passing. Hes been my dentist since I was a little girl. My thoughts are with the family.
Jennifer Brinkley
July 5, 2020
RIP Dr Ripich you were one of a kind! I always looked forward to my dentist appointments with you. ❤❤
Anne
July 5, 2020
Dear Cathy and Alex our thoughts and prayers are with you. We were honored to know such a wonderful man. Andy and Anne Wiles
Thomas Graham DDS
July 5, 2020
Cathy and family, shocked to learn of Bobs passing this morning. Sounds like he died as he lived, quietly with class. Always enjoyed seeing him and his little smile. One of the real good guys I have known in our profession. May he Rest In Peace. Tom Graham and Gretchen.
Lennon family
July 5, 2020
Bob was our family dentist for many years. We were blessed to have known him. We enjoyed his great stories about his life. We will miss him ! Rest in peace dear Bob ! Our condolences to his family.
Connie Rizos Guist
July 5, 2020
Cathy...my thoughts and prayers for you and your daughter at this difficult time...may his memory be eternal...
Linda. Byer
July 4, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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