Milton, NH

Michael F. Ripberger, age 77, of Milton, NH, died July 28, 2023, at home, with his family by his side.

Born September 28, 1945 in Elwood, Indiana, a son of Paul & Nora Lee Ripberger, he was a graduate of Tipton High School, Class of 1964.

He worked with the United States Postal Service, starting as a flexible clerk and moved up to management from 1969-1989.  He served as PostMaster from 1989-2000 in Bradford, NH, retiring in 2000.

Michael joined the United States Marine Corps, as an accounting tech from 1964-1968, serving in Vietnam.  He also served with the United States Army from 1972-1977, as enlisted personnel, currently retired as a Captain.

He was a great handyman from painting, lawncare, roofing, etc.

Michael was an active member of the Masonic Lodge since 1995, he served as Master of the Lodge 2004-2005, he received the Meritorious Service Award, Valley of Concord.  He joined the Silver Hill Vesta #49 in 1998, served as Worthy Patron from 1998-2001, also Associate Patron from 1999-2000.  He served as Grand Representative to Arizona from 2005-2007, he received the John Sullivan Service Medal in bronze.  Mike was President, Grand Representative.

Mike joined the National Sojournes Portsmouth Chapter 386.  He was awarded the Presidential Citation, he was Secretary/Treasurer for the Police Squares for ten years.

Mike received the Sammy Lee David Defender of Peace Freedom.

He was a member of the American Legion in Warner, NH.

Mike coached football in Warner, NH from 1995-1996, the team "Notre Dame".

He coached Little League in Portsmouth, also served as their President, umpired Little League Babe Ruth in Portsmouth, NH, umpired baseball in Concord, NH and Hillsboro, NH and coached youth soccer in Bradford.

Mike was a call fireman in Portsmouth and Newbury, NH, an Ambulance Driver in Bradford, NH.

He helped cook at the Bradford Junction for many years.

Mike was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Catherine's Church in Portsmouth.

Survived by his wife Betty Ripberger and their children:  Michael W. Ripberger, Michelle Smith and Kristina Robert, grandchildren: Laura, Thomas, Kate, Kyle and little Mike, Faith, Cody, Hope, Ryann, Austin and Jaydean, 2 great granddaughters: Genevieve and Makenna, a sister Marty Quillen, brothers: Ed, Phil, Steven and Fred Ripberger, also several Nieces & Nephews and godsons: Thomas Ripberger, Steven Dale & Cody Poirier.  Predeceased by his brother Mark Ripberger.

Calling hours are Wednesday August 2, 2023 from 4-6:30pm at Peaslee Funeral Home, 24 Central Street, Farmington, NH with a Masonic Service at 5pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 3 at 12Noon at St. Peter's Church on Central Street in Farmington, NH with Fr. Thomas Duston, pastor as celebrant.

Interment with military honors by the USMC will be on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 9am at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Cornerstone VNA/Hospice, 178 Farmington Road, Rochester, NH 03867.

To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com