Thomas Stephen Ripepi

Thomas Stephen Ripepi, age 59, of Las Vegas, Nevada passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. Thomas was born September 15, 1960 in Garfield Heights, Ohio. He is survived by brothers Carl and Jim, sister Jeanmarie and dearest cousin John Turchetto (Brigitte) and many cousins and friends. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Doris Ripepi; grandparents Evaristo and Bertha Turchetto, and Stephen and Domenica Ripepi. Due to the Coronavirus restrictions a private family Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Ambrose Parish, Brunswick, Ohio. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Valley City, Ohio. Arrangements made by Palm Mortuary, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tom was likable, kindhearted, and funny. He was low key, never a braggart, or showoff and never diminished others.

A life-long learner of religion, history and politics. He knew Jesus, the Bible and his Catholic Catechism. A firm believer. He had a keen interest in U.S. & World history; traveled throughout the United States and Europe seeing for himself all that he read. In politics, a supporter of conservative ideology. We cannot imagine going through this coming presidential election without Tom’s insight and passion.

As we all know, Tom was extremely competitive! He loved playing golf and tennis with his friends from work, and brothers Carl and Jim. In earlier years, an athlete in track and baseball. Even during weekly Stratego battles with cousin John, Tom would win 9 out of 10 times, yet would fixate on the one loss!

Eleven years ago, throughout Tom’s 18-week Corrections Officer Academy training, he was razzed as ‘the old guy’ by his twenty-something-year-old classmates that were half his age! At the end of their training there was a final obstacle course relay competition between the recruits and the instructors. The recruits were lagging behind. Tom ended up running the last leg on their relay team and brought in the win! His team couldn’t believe how fast he ran and they lifted him onto their shoulders and carried him in triumph!

A proud member of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) as a Corrections Officer, Tom was fair-minded in his treatment of the inmates. Gratefully, one of them administered CPR and saved Tom’s life nine years ago. An unheard-of act for an inmate to help a CO.

From the very beginning, the LVMPD made Tom a part of their family. This tight-knit organization was there for Tom nine years ago while in the hospital and in his recovery, helping he and our family in countless ways. And now again, along with his cousin Officer John Turchetto always beside him, surrounded Tom with their love and support as they escorted him on his final journey. From Tom’s immediate family to his extended family “Thank you so very much. You are all amazing.”

Always described in life as “a great guy.” We are beyond heartbroken. He was loved and will be deeply missed.

Please search Thomas Ripepi on Facebook for full length video that depicts Officer Thomas Ripepi being escorted by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department from his home to the County Coroner, as well as later, another escort to Palm Mortuary. A shortened video is at the conclusion of condolences on this site as well. At the request of his fellow Corrections Officers, they lined the streets in front of the jail for their final goodbye. Tom’s Sergeant, Squad Members and Academy classmates accompanied him. Tom was never alone on his journey.