Lt Col James M. Dellaripa, Sr., USAF, Ret. (Aug 29, 1925 - Jun 19, 2022) died peacefully on Father's Day surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, V.J. and Antoinette Dellaripa; sister, Francine; brother, Robert and wife, Indie Jo Inge. He is survived by his children, Shelley (Jerry) Jensen, Leanna (Jerry) Heeren, Mike (Margaret) Dellaripa; grandchildren, Michael, Adam and Marshall Hyzdu, Christina Salisbury, Chuck Heeren, Michael and Gray Dellaripa; 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Ripa graduated from East Hartford High School and was a Kappa Sigma at the U. Of Connecticut. He joined the Navy during WWII and continued his military career in the USAF flying the F86-F in Europe and the RF4 during Viet Nam. He graduated from the U. of Nebraska. After military retirement, Ripa was the City of Richmond Building Commissioner. He retired again and was active in many civic and military organizations.
In 1952 Dad got his wings from USAF. On June 19th he earned them from God.
We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Unit 4F, Harbor's Edge and Norfolk General.
A visitation will be held on Friday, Jun 24, 2022 from 5-7 pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home at 6329 E. VA Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com for the Dellaripa family.
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