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BORN
1957
DIED
2017
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LARRY RIPA Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for LARRY RIPA
Elcie de Costa Rica
July 16, 2021
Siento mucho tan triste noticia tuve la oportunidad de conocerlo en mi país donde también me pintó. Hombre talentoso y agradable, Dios lo tenga en la gloria
Vincent Larry Savage
July 22, 2017
RIP Mr. Ripa,
You lived an incredible life and built the most spectacular museum of its kind in the world! Your work and life's passion is appreciated by many and continues to inspire.
Melissa M Goodill
June 20, 2017
So, sad. Met Dean last year.He was kind enough to let us in after hours for a private tour and stopped to talk with us about his snakes. This is such a loss to his long time friends.
Rachel Rogers
June 17, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dean Ripa, a most revered herpetologist and very kind man. I had the pleasure of meeting him this year after he came to pick up a crocodile for transfer to his facility. I had no idea he had also been a singer with the Tommy Dorsey Band (http://www.deanripa.com/). Such an incredible life and it would have been wonderful to see what he would have done next. Please know the animal community is thinking about his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Cheryl Borders
June 14, 2017
Dean,I never got to meet you. But, you were the most fascinating man. A genius, artist, and herpetologist, you will be greatly missed
Ed Cassano
June 12, 2017
RIP Dean. A short visit and everlasting memory for me. I see you every day in the animals you produced and I am raising. Ed Cassano
Mark Aman
June 7, 2017
What an incredibly multi-talented man. RIP
Debbie Langston
May 30, 2017
My love and prayers are with the family and friends of Dean. I had the wonderful opportunity to attend school with Dean and graduated with him at NHHS in 1975. I always found Dean different but interesting , but he never had anything harsh to say to anyone. His eyes and smile will always be his trademark in my heart. Rest in peace my friend. Heaven has gained a true angel. Wildcat Love and prayers
Dawnetta Price
May 29, 2017
To The Family of Mr. Dean, Mr Dean gave me an opportunity that would stay with me forever I had just move to Wilmington from NewBern N.C. I received My Veterinary Assistant certification Mr Dean Hire me as the front desk person I learn how to be comfortable speaking with large groups of People holding snakes...... He believed In me. I'm Sure gonna Miss You Dean Ripa you always shared what you knew I'm greatful to have ran across a sweet soul like you
Mae Rule
May 25, 2017
Fr. Randy and Mae Rule so sorry Terry about Deans passing our hearts she breaking for you..
Sheila Youngblood
May 25, 2017
Terri, I am so shocked and saddened! Sending condolences and prayers your way and to his adorable son. What a tremendous loss of talent and personality! I went to school with Dean, and he will be missed by so many! We both loved music! I had recently asked him to buy a copy of that CD he made, but he never got a chance to respond. We went out a few times in high school, but honestly, I couldn't take the snakes. :) Your family has always had a warm place in our hearts. Please take care and take care of little one!
Sheila
William Beard
May 24, 2017
With a heavy heart I'm forced to bid farewell to a longtime friend. Dean and I were cut from a different cloth but we shared the same DNA sharing our passion for venomous snakes, crocodile's and spending time in the field. I will share one of my recent favorite memories of Dean. So we decided to bolt out of the serpentarium unannounced and unbeknownst to anyone, for a spring snake hunt at Green Swamp. My preparation for our little afternoon venture was grabbing a pair of boots and a snake hook and my camera (which I subsequently dropped in the swamp water). Dean's preparation was grabbing his boots and a hat! No snake hook. No snake tools at all. We arrive at the Green Swamp and proceed to go our separate ways- agreeing to stay within shouting distance. An hour and a half into the hunt, I hear Dean shouting my name to come to him...now mind you, we are waist deep in muck, mud and water with cypress knees sticking up everywhere, so it took me a minute! When I finally see him, he is calmly standing there with a cottonmouth necked behind the head-one in each hand! And he's been standing like that for over 30 minutes. When I asked him how the hell did he accomplish this feat with no hook no tools? He said, in Dean-like fashion, "I gently reached down and picked one up behind the head, then I noticed a 2nd one just a few feet away floating on swamp debris, so I reached over and gently grabbed it behind the head with my free hand." Dean- you will constantly be with me-in spirit and your memories will never fade. I will never forget our many adventures at the Green Swamp. Deena and I both have been cheated by losing you from our lives. This is a private quote between Dean and I from one of his favorite authors...
"We are here to laugh at the odds
And live our lives so well-that Death will tremble to take us".
Submitted by William Beard on May 21 2017 09:12:01 PM
Cindy Sneeden McNally
May 24, 2017
Terri you are in my prayers every day. My heart is broken. I am here for you. Love you.
Peggy Karns Johnson
May 23, 2017
Rest Peacefully my friend. I am so lucky to have known Dean since our days at NHHS. I will continue to think of Dean anytime I hear Jethro Tull or see a snake. Dean is a true
Friend who greeted me with open arms about 10 years ago when I contacted him after many years away from Wilmington. I had planned to stop and visit the next time I was in town, how I wish I had stopped the last time I was there. My deepest sympathy to all who loved, knew and admired Dean. He and his passion and talents will never be duplicated.
Williams family
May 23, 2017
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your dear love one. May you treasure the memories that you shared together. Numbers 6:24-26
May 22, 2017
Lizeth Gonzalez, Hilda Hughes.Our prayers for the family.
Pamela Desantis
May 21, 2017
May the peace beyond understanding enfold you and give you comfort.
Lila Havens
May 21, 2017
Terri, my heart goes out to you, your family, and Arkin. I hope there is some comfort in knowing how many friends Dean had all over the world and the impact he had on many lives. There never was and never will be another like him.
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