Jeffrey L. Ripley age 74, of Pembroke died of carcinoid cancer which he courageously fought for 17 years with the help of his wife Marylou along with friends and family. He was at home under hospice care surrounded by his loving family and friends at his passing.
Born in Abington, he was the child of Meredith Lincoln and Helen (Fisher) Ripley.
Jeff was a graduate of Abington High School, Class of 1966 and Northwestern University, Class of 1970 where he studied Theatre Arts. After college he returned home to continue working at his parents’ business, Rip’s Inc. After the business was sold in 1987, he moved on to designing theatric productions for area colleges, prep schools, and community theatres. In 1992 after developing his own technique of faux painting he started a business under the name Quantum Leap Scenic Arts, where he demonstrated his artistic talents on furniture and interiors.
Over the years Jeff was on the board of directors at the Abington National Bank where he held several positions including chairman of the board. After retirement Jeff was an avid world traveler, took cooking classes with his wife, enjoyed water aerobics classes at the gym, raised goats and llamas at his home and was very involved in genealogy including the Civil War Round Table of East Bridgewater.
Jeff and his first wife Debra (Giniewicz) raised their two children in Rockland. Later he moved to Pembroke and married MaryLou (Whiting Calderara) and was rewarded with two additional stepchildren.
In addition to his wife MaryLou, he is survived his daughter Melissa Frattasio and husband Rob of Norwell, their children Molly and Mia, son Scott Ripley of Pembroke and his son Max, stepchildren Marie (Calderara) Graff of Sweden and Michael Calderara, wife Denise of Braintree, their children Taylor, Madison, Keryn, his sister Gail Miller and husband Don of Middleboro and their children Christopher and Cheryl Miller of Florida. In addition, he is survived by many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and his devoted dog Sydney.
It was Jeff’s wish that in lieu of flowers donations be made out to Norwell VNA Hospice of Norwell, MA, or Dana Faber Carcinoid Cancer Research.
Family and friends are invited to attend his visiting hours on Monday October 31 from 1:00-3:00 PM followed by a service at 3:00 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary).
Donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Jeffrey Ripley to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284
or via dana-farber.org/gift.
Arrangements by the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, for full obituary, online condolences, and directions, please visit www.blanchardfc.com