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RUSSELL RIPPER Obituary
Of Upper St. Clair, age 65, on Sunday, October 23, 2011. Beloved husband of Janis (McTall) Ripper; loving father of Lisa and Mark; son of the late Russell Ripper and Mary Ann Mazzacco; brother of Doug (Jan) Ripper, Maria Ripper, and the late Gregory Ripper; son-in-law of Helen McTall; brother-in-law of George (Linda) McTall, Gayle (Don) Knuth, Louie (Marge) McTall, Loretta (Russ) Cancilla, Mary Crowley, Jerry (Sylvia) McTall, Joey McTall, and Patti (Bob) Eurich; stepson of Dorothy Franz; stepbrother of Dan (Rosalyn) Ripper, Dorothy Lenfesty, John Ressler, Rebecca Hartman, and the late Bill Ressler; also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family friends. Russell retired from the Pittsburgh Public Schools after 35 years. He was a member of the Upper St. Clair Democratic Committee and was a volunteer with the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association. Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS. 724-941-3211. Friends welcome at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 15317, Wednesday and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Services will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, Friday at 1 p.m. Entombment in Woodruff Memorial Park. The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Summer Youth Mission Trips, c/o Christ United Methodist Church, 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102. Please add or view Tributes at www.beinhauer.com
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Alan Cuda
April 5, 2025
Russell and I grew up together in Wilkinsburg, PA. We attended Semple elementary school together, and his mother would cook lunch for us. For some reason I felt a need to look Russell up at this time. I'm 79 years old, and reside in Penn Hills, PA. Alan Cuda
October 23, 2012
Can't believe it's been a year - so many happy memories of the times we spent with Russ - missed by all, but feel he will always be with us.
Dave and Mary
September 26, 2012
Love You Dad. Miss you a lot. I still expect to hear your voice when i call home. Wish you were here
Lisa R
November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving Daddy. We love you!
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Lisa R
November 9, 2011
Hey dad,
There's a lot going on in sports right now... Wishing I could get your opinion on it all and talk about it with you like we did for my papers for my sport ethics classes for college. I miss you everyday.
Bryan Weet
November 5, 2011
As a kid, I thought of Russ Ripper as one of my Dad's “hockey friends.” When I was lucky enough to attend a Penguin game at the Civic Arena, we would always hang out with my parents' hockey friends between periods of the game. I enjoyed seeing Russ and Jan on these occasions. My Dad was also involved with Russ in a playoff hockey contest each year. When the guys would get together for their annual draft, my Dad would bring me along to help him with his picks. It was always so much fun. Russ made me laugh with the way he good naturedly teased everyone. His quick wit inspired much good banter. As time has carried on, I have learned so much more about my father's close friendship with Russ, going back to the days when they taught together at South High on the South Side. Russ is the type of friend that is there when you need him, willing to lend a helping hand. I recall a couple of occasions when he came to my parents' house to do some concrete work on the driveway. Also, my wife Lisa and I really appreciate the time, shortly after we moved into our house, that Russ delivered some storage shelves in his pick-up truck. Afterward, we had some sandwiches in the kitchen, chatted, and joked around – a pleasant memory of a great guy.
-Bryan, Lisa, Tyler, and Trevor Weet
November 2, 2011
Dear Jan, Lisa, and Mark, I cannot begin to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. Russ brought laughter everywhere he went, and that will make for wonderful memories. He was taken way too soon, just doesnt seem fair. Your family is in our hearts and prayers. Bob, Colleen, Tara, Lindsay, and Kelsey Garrubba
October 31, 2011
October 31, 2011
Dear Janis,
I was shocked When I hear Russ had passed away. You and the children have my sincerest sympathy. He was a great friend and colleague. I'm sorry I was unable to attend the viewing or Church service as I was out of the country. Ed Mickney had left me a phone message. I assure you that Russ and you and the children will be in my daily prayers.
Pete Ramage
Westlynn Davis
October 31, 2011
Dear Jan,
You and your family are in our hearts and prayers during this sorrowful time. May you feel God's peace and comfort in knowing that Russ is with our Lord and Savior. He knows the time and day that each of us who believe in Him through His son Jesus Christ will join Him for an everlasting life.
Fondly yours,
Westlynn and Ricco Davis
Danny, Michelle, Cathleen, & Isabelle Wyse
October 31, 2011
Dear Jan, Lisa, and Mark,
You have our deepest sympathies on Russ' passing. We will really miss his laugh and smile. He was always such a joy to be around. I told my dad I'll miss him and I only saw him once or twice a year. Please take some comfort in knowing that many are thinking of you, standing by you, and love you. We're sending our love from across the country.
October 30, 2011
Dear Jan, Lisa, and Mark,
There are no words to adequately express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Russ made everything "fun" - he brought so much joy and laughter to all who were privileged to know him; he was a dear friend who will be greatly missed. May the love and support of your family and many friends be a source of comfort during this difficult time. May God bless you and give you peace. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Remember: "Footprints in the Sand"
Dave and Mary Disney
Bob Weet
October 29, 2011
Christmas on the SouthSide with Russ: Back in our single days, Russ and I used to hang with the older teachers at Dwulit's (now Brewski's). Following one extended "Happy Hour", Russ suggested we join in and sing Christmas Carols with the "old gents" from the nearby Salvation Army home, who were also Dwulit regulars. One 90 year old Santa who joined the caroling sported a goatee that stretched from his chin past his belt.
I'll miss you Russ...A great friend always.
USCAA .
October 28, 2011
We would like to express condolences and send our sincere thoughts and prayers to Jan, Lisa, and Mark on your loss. Russ was a true friend and valuable volunteer of the Upper St Clair Athletic Association. He always put our youth's best interest first. His positive example impacted everyone who came in contact with him. He embodied the true mission of our organization. He will be missed but never forgotten!
Upper St Clair Athletic Association
October 28, 2011
Dear Jan: Thinking of you and your family. Please accept our deepest condolences for your terrible loss. Last time we saw Russ, he was laughing and telling jokes and just good to be around. If only there were words enough to help you with this pain. Love and friendship always. Kathy and Greg Short
Ralph Opferman
October 28, 2011
Dear Jan, Lisa and Mark,I was shocked to hear from John that Russ had passed. My employees and I send our deepest sympathy for you and your family. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Wyse
October 28, 2011
Dear Jan, Lisa, and Mark,
Russ was a dear dear friend who will live in my heart forever. I will miss his jokes, his laughter, and his joy in living. He was so proud of all of you. I am so happy that I can call you family.
"Aunt" Mary
Paul B. Jones
October 27, 2011
Janis,Lisa and Mark, I was shocked to read about Russ's passing. I send my deepest sympathy.Russ and I were in the Wilkinsburg High School Band together. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. God bless you all.
Tracy Schuster
October 27, 2011
Jan, Mark and Lisa: In the words of my son, "Mr. Ripper was the kind of dad every kid should be lucky enough to have." I couldn't agree more. He was also the kind of man any of us would be fortunate to know. I will miss seeing him at soccer games and around town, but I will always smile when I remember him. Your family is in our prayers.
Chris Hertneky
October 27, 2011
Dear Jan,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Comfort will be found in your family,friends, and in the memories that will always remain. Please take care.
Michelle Weet
October 27, 2011
To Mrs. Ripper, Lisa, and Mark,
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Ripper. Your family is in my prayers.
I will never forget the time your family surprised me at Grotto Pizza when you were on vacation in Rehobeth Beach. That was such a wonderful surprise! I am also grateful for the recent times that I was able to catch up with your family at Mark's track meets.
I will always remember Mr. Ripper as a fun loving person that could bring a smile to your face.
With love and sympathy,
Michelle Weet
Gene Temel
October 27, 2011
Jan, Lisa, and Mark, you have my most sincere condolences. I was shocked and saddened to hear of Russ's passing. He had so many good years to look forward to. He will be missed by many. I enjoyed his companionship, jokes, and enthusiasm while at Prospect. Jan, you home ec room was a safe haven for me and my teachers. We had some good times even with the difficult situation at Prospect. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gloria (Thompson) Morgan
October 27, 2011
To Russ's family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy. I knew Russ all through high school and college and was in band with him both at Wilkinsburg and Edinboro. We also went to Duquesne for our masters at the same time. He attended my wedding. He was a good friend for all those years. I remember how much he loved to laugh. I know he will be dearly missed by all of you. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Mark & Kelly Walsh
October 27, 2011
Our deepest sympathy. We knew Russ through USC Soccer and he was always great to talk to and a genuinely nice person. We were shocked to hear of his passing just having seen him at a game a week ago. He was so supportive of all the players.
Mark, you may remember your dad and you driving our son, Jonathan, to the hospital after he suffered a concussion at a game in Ohio when he first got on the Varsity team.
That was sometime ago but we'll never forget how you and your dad took care of him and drove him all the way to Oakland (a two hour trip) since we weren't there.
We always remembered the kindness of your dad in taking care of him.
Russ was a wonderful man and will be fondly remembered by many.
You all are in our prayers.
October 27, 2011
Jan, I am so sorry and saddened to hear about Russ. My thoughts are with you.
Sophia Barrett
October 27, 2011
Jan, Mark & Lisa,
Sending hugs to you. Russ was a special man. We all loved to be around him! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deb & Don, Andrew, Sam, Danny & Sarah Berlin
October 27, 2011
Lisa and Mark,
Your Dad was so proud of both of you and all of your accomplishments. He was most proud of your selflessness...your mission work, your work at CUMC, how you go out of your way to make all feel welcomed into your lives. You are his legacy. And we are all the richer for knowing and loving him! Whatever you need and whenever you need it, you know we are here for you.
Love,
Aunt Marianne and Tommy
Joanne and John Fornear
October 27, 2011
Dear Janis, Lisa and Mark,
We will miss Russ...Our thoughts and prayers are with you...
Erin Varley King
October 27, 2011
Dear Jan,Lisa and Mark,
Mary and Dan / Jan and Russ. You four have been wonderful friends forever, it is always so nice to hear about your family through Mary, and that is why it was so heartbreaking to hear about Russ's death. Though i did not know him well i know he loved his family and friends, a devoted and gentle man. May the loving memories and your family and friends sustain you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Littrell Family
October 26, 2011
Jan, Mark and Lisa,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Russ’s passing. Russ will always be remembered by us as a great husband, father, person and friend. While this was a tremendous lost to you all, it was also a great loss to the Upper St. Clair community and the community of man.
Please except our deepest sympathies and condolences in your time of sorrow and try and take some comfort in the shining light and warmth that was your husband and father. He will be missed by many.
Sincerely,
Bill, JoAnne, Ashlie and Mike Littrell
Ray and Marie Jacko
October 26, 2011
Jan, Lisa and Mark:
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and father, Russ. Stay strong and may your faith and memories sustain you in the days ahead.
D. Watkins
October 26, 2011
Jan, Lisa and Mark,
There are no words that can heal your pain but put your faith in God and he will get you through. Russ's laughter will always be heard. He will be missed but not forgotten. Rest With God, Russ.
Dionnea and Family
Peter and Yukako Wyse
October 26, 2011
Dear Jan, Mark and Lisa,
Our deepest sympathies for you in this time of loss. We will always cherish our memories of your kind, loving, good-humored, generous man husband and father.
Peter, Yukako and Sona
Shelly Zankel
October 26, 2011
Aunt Jan, Lisa and Mark,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief. Also, take comfort in knowing that you now have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Love Shelly, Paul, Tyler and Gracey
Debra Rucki
October 26, 2011
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband. Although this is a most difficult time, I'm sure that you and your children will find comfort in the memories you cherish and the love in your hearts.
The Gaul Family
October 26, 2011
Dear Jan, Lisa and Mark, We all loved Russ and our lives were richer for having known him. He will be dearly missed on Grey Mill Dr. Please know our love and prayers are with you always.
Debbie Reynolds
October 26, 2011
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.
Dear Jan and Family,
You all has our deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband and father. My family and I will keep you all in our prayers. God Bless.
Debbie Reynolds and Family
Bob Bodnar
October 26, 2011
Dear Jan, Mark, and Lisa,
My deepest sympathies to you all at such a sad time. I wish you strength in the days ahead and comfort in the memories you have of Russ.
Leah & Joe Fidler
October 26, 2011
Dear Jan, Mark & Lisa - We were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Russ. Your family has continually made us feel welcome when we moved to the street. Russ often stopped and talked to us as we walked our baby boy around the neighborhood (always trying to talk him into being a Pitt fan). He was so kind and fun to be around. It was clear how much his family meant to him and you are so lucky to have had such a wonderful man as a father, husband and close friend in your lives. He was a dear man and he will be missed. I hope you find comfort in your family and friends during this difficult time.
October 26, 2011
To Jan, Lisa, and Mark,
We were shocked to hear of Russell's passing. Your husband and father was one of our favorite people. He will surely be missed. The love your family shares with each other has always been evident and we know it will get you through this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts are with you.
The Perelstine Family (Karla, Bob, Marissa, and Erin)
Andrea Loughner
October 26, 2011
Doug and family, so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. My prayers and sympathy are with you. Andrea Loughner
MaryEllen & Greg Hall
October 26, 2011
To Lisa & Mark & Jan, we share many fond memories of your dad and family while living in USC, and your visit to CHICAGO. Your dad was awesome in his devotion to you,and included Eric in many activities with Mark. We will keep you all in our prayers. Wish we could be with you. Love from The Hall Family in CHICAGO
Elaine Khalil-Khouri
October 26, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 26, 2011
Jan I am so sorry for your loss. Use family and friends as your strength, God as your guide, and know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many. Melissa Wagner
Glenn Leibfried
October 25, 2011
Dear Jan,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss, Russell was a great man. May you find comfort in and share the many memories with the kids. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely,
Glenn Leibfried
Joyce Dzadovsky
October 25, 2011
My deepest sympathy to your family. I taught with Russ at Brookline and have fond memories. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Lisa
October 25, 2011
I miss you and love you daddy.
Stevie McTall
October 25, 2011
Aunt Jan, Lisa and Mark,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all.
Love,
Stevie
Aimee Zundel
October 25, 2011
Jan,
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
October 25, 2011
Dear Jan,
I am so sorry to read of your loss of Russell. May you find comfort and peace in the many beautiful memories that you shared with him.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Gavlak
October 25, 2011
Dear Jan,
I am so very sorry for your loss.You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your many happy memories.
Anne McFeaters
Toni DeLaney
October 25, 2011
Dear Jan.
Psalms 116:15 says "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints." I remember Russ from South Hills Middle School. He was a fun-loving and caring person. He will be greatly missed. The good news is we shall all see Russ again one day. God bless you and your family. Toni
Judy Weinberg
October 25, 2011
Jan, I was deeply saddened to hear about Russ. Please accept my sincerest sympathy and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your Erie, PA church family keeping you in our prayers, Lisa!
Seph, Rhonda, Seph & David Kumer
October 25, 2011
Lisa and family,
Know that the Kumer family in Erie has been praying for you. Likewise, the staff at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant prayed today. Sharing your grief and loss,
Lou & Reed Vaira
October 25, 2011
Dear Jan, Mark & Lisa,
Please know you are on our thoughts and prayers. Be strong for each other and know that family and friends will help sustain you.
Chris Aloe
October 25, 2011
Jan, Lisa and Mark, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You have our deepest sympathy and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
The Aloe Family
October 25, 2011
Lisa and Mark,please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. I always enjoyed talking to him when he visited Streams and Boyce. May God give your family strength and peace during the coming days.
Florine Masciantonio
Christopher McNally
October 25, 2011
Jan, Lisa and Mark - my deepest sympathy to all of you. Russ was a super guy who always had a smile and a helping hand. He will be missed greatly.
Maria & Dave Wilharm
October 25, 2011
Jan, Lisa and Mark, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort and may God give you the strength you need in the days ahead.
October 25, 2011
Jan, I am so sorry to learn of your lost. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. My prayers will continue to be with you.
Wende, Pittsburgh PA
Wende
Uncle Dan Wyse
October 25, 2011
Jan, Mark and Lisa,
During these past years of retirement with Russ I know of his unbounded love for his family. Lisa and Mark, you are Russ' Legacies. He is still there for you. Prayers never disconnect.
October 25, 2011
My deepest sympathies Jan and to your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers, God have mercy his soul. Elaine T. Khalil-Khouri, Pittsburgh, Pa
October 25, 2011
Carol Hinds
Barry Stephens
October 25, 2011
Russ and I were good friends while teaching at Brookline. We shared our morning coffee in my room. Russ talked endlessly about Lisa and Mark. He was so proud. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy.
Lynn Mariaskin Heady
October 25, 2011
Jan, I'm so sorry to hear about Russell. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Please know you are in my prayers.
Lynn
Lynn Raith
October 25, 2011
Jan, Lisa, and Mark, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. You have such a special family and your memories of all the joyous times and the love that you will always share will help a bit to ease your pain.
My first year teaching was at Herron Hill Junior High and Russ's advice helped get me through some rough spots.
Love, Lynn and Paul
October 25, 2011
My deepest sympathies to Jan and the entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jonathan Walkush
October 25, 2011
Jan,
I was so sorry to hear the news of Russ' passing. It's been a long time since we talked, but I remember all the great stories you shared about your life together. My sincerest sympathies to you and the kids.
Debbie Ference
Carol Kepka
October 25, 2011
I offer my sympathy in your loss. My children just loved Russ at Prospect Middle. I also worked alongside him. He was a special person who really loved children. May God bless you all and hold you in the palms of His hands. respectfully, Carol Kepka
Dom & Juanita LaBella
October 25, 2011
Jan, Lisa, Mark, We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Juanita & Dom LaBella
Madelon Harbaugh
October 25, 2011
Dear Jan, Lisa and Mark,
You have my deepest sympathy. Know that you will be in my thoughts and in my prayers. Jan you know if there is any thing you need I am here for you. God bless you and your family.
Love Madelon
Liz Erdman
October 25, 2011
My deepest sympathy to your family. I am so sorry about your loss. Russell was such a nice man. I will miss seeing him around the soccer fields. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Liz Erdman
Tina/Gary Seech
October 25, 2011
Our prayers and sympathy are with you. Sorry for your loss. Russ was a great guy.
The Seech Family
October 25, 2011
Jan, Lisa and Mark, our hearts are breaking for you. Russ was a wonderful person. Love, Linda,Mia and Sam
Mike Cancilla
October 25, 2011
Aunt Jan, Lisa, and Mark, we love you and are thinking of you during this difficult time. Although our hearts ache at the loss of Uncle Russ, we can't help but smile thinking of him. He not only brought joy to your lives, but also the lives of everyone who knew him. So many fun memories to cherish and share!! Love Mike, Amanda, Sam, and Claire
Robin Wenger
October 25, 2011
Jan,
Words cannot express the sadness in my heart for you and your children. Cherish the time you had together and let your faith lead you through the days ahead while you work through the healing process. You have many wonderful friends that are here for you when you need us.
Dianne Duursma
October 25, 2011
Dear Doug & Jan:
We are so sorry for your significant loss of your brother, Russell. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find this poem comforting.
Afterglow:
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when day is done. I'd like to leave an echo...whispering softly down the ways of happy and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave behind when the day is done.
Much love,
Ron, Dianne, Merel & Ellie Duursma
Bobbie Patton
October 25, 2011
Please accept my sincere sympathy in your loss. What an interesting man to have met. I will never forget your family. You will be in my prayers.
Valerie Visconti
October 25, 2011
Jan, Lisa and Mark. My deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take comfort in knowing that you now have a special Guardian Angel to watch over you. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you.
October 25, 2011
My deepest sympathy to your entire family. May God strengthen you at this difficult time and may your sweet memories comfort you.
Mary Jo Gasperini( fellow teacher at Prospect Jr. High)
Jeff Zankel
October 25, 2011
Aunt Jan, Lisa, and Mark. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Cherish the many memories that you have. Uncle Russ was always so much fun. I will miss his sense of humor during holidays and family gatherings. Rest In Peace Uncle Russ
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2820 Washington Road 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317
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