Otto C. Ripley, 84, husband of the late Jean Ripley, went to be with his Lord on November 9, 2018, in the comfort of his home in Williamsburg. He was born on July 18, 1934 in Williamsburg, Virginia and was number 6 of 10 children born to William and Nannie Ripley. Otto was a 1955 graduate of Matthew Whaley High School and shortly after made the decision to enlist with the U.S. Air Force. During his active service he attended in 1956 the Air Force Tech and Mechanic School. After 23 years of Active service, he retired in 1978 with a rank of Master Sergeant. He continued his services with the federal government at NASA for 16 years. Among the many accomplishments and awards Otto received throughout his service, he was awarded the "Forty Year Service Award" from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with recognition in supporting in-space technology, including the 15-Meter Hoop Column Antenna project, the Mini Mast project, and the Control Structures Interaction Model Development project. Otto enjoyed his traditional 6:45am get-togethers at the local Hardees for breakfast every morning. He was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and the Special Military Active-Retired Travel Club. He and his wife enjoyed years of travel with their RV Travel Club and traveled extensively through Europe during his 23 years in the Air Force. His smile was contagious, and his heart was pure, he "never knew a stranger". He is survived by his two daughters, Shirley Sulenski-Hughes (Bruce Hughes) and Sandra Ripley; three grandchildren, Courtney Sulenski, Matthew Sulenski and Aaron Ripley; and great grandchild, Hayden J. Dover; 3 brothers, John, Tom (Clara Lee), and Bob (Cathy), and 2 sisters Ginnie and Faye. He will also be missed by his cats Tubby, Teddy, Cloe, Sparky, Dozer, Nayla and Kayla. In addition to his wife Jean of 56 years, he is predeceased by his sisters Francis, Mildred, and Katherine; and his brother Bill. A service celebrating Otto's life will be held at Wellspring Methodist Church, 4871 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188 on Saturday, November 17th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Otto to Wellspring Methodist Church (www.wellspringmethodist.org). Online condolences for the family may be expressed at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.
