Ibra L. Ripley Jr., 88, died peacefully of natural causes at the Maine Medical Center in Portland on June 14, with his family at his side. Born Dec. 27, 1921 in Rockland, to Ibra L. Ripley Sr. and Emmie Orff, he graduated from Rockland High School in 1939.
After graduating he went to work for Central Maine Power Company. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in February of 1942. He served with the 25th Infantry Division, the famed “Tropic Lightning” Division. During WWII he participated in three campaigns: Guadalcanal and New Georgia in the Solomon Islands and Luzon in the Philippines. In over three years of wartime service, he earned the Asiatic-Pacific campaign ribbon with two bronze battle stars and the Philippine Liberation ribbon with one bronze star. He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant and following the war was a First Lieutenant in the Maine National Guard.
Rip resumed his career at CMP after the war and progressed through the line department, safety department and various management positions retiring in 1984 as Western Division Manager after 45 years. He was a member of Kora Shrine Temple, American Legion, Rotary Club and other civic organizations.
Rip married Elsie Mae Pierce of Damariscotta on June 27, 1953. They were married for nearly 46 years until her death in 1999. He was predeceased by his two sisters Vivian Spurling and Joan McKim.
He is survived by two sons and a daughter, their spouses and seven grandchildren: Ibra L. III “Chip” and Deborah Ripley of Denmark and daughter Anastasia; Barry and Judith Ripley of Gray and sons Marshall and Joseph; and Brenda and Stephan Babirak of Scarborough and children Pierce, Stephanie, Jane and Paul.
Time to visit with the family 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Sun., June 20 with a service to follow at 12:30 p.m. He will be laid to rest with his wife in the Hillside Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: 25th Infantry Division Memorial Fund, Inc. PO Box 606, Flourtown, PA 19031-0606, (http://www.25thmemorialfund.org/donate.html)
Condolences for the family may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
