METHUEN -- Charles C. Ripley Jr., 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and the caring staff at Nevins Nursing Home on Thursday morning, September 30, 2010.
Charlie was a life-long resident of Methuen. He served his country during the Second World War as a technical corporal in the US Army, being assigned to a crash/fire/rescue unit at an air base in the Panama Canal Zone. After the war, he began a 36-year career with the Methuen Fire Department, retiring in 1982 as Deputy Chief.
He greatly enjoyed the camaraderie of the fire service, and continued his interest in the people of the department throughout his retirement. He enjoyed family camping trips, caring for his yard, and using his skills to help others with home repair and improvement projects. He was an active member of Marsh Corner Community Church.
Charlie was married for 36 years to the late Shirley Richardson Ripley, who died in 1987. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Charles C. Ripley III and his wife Shirley of Methuen; Pamela J. (Ripley) and her husband Mozafar Karimeddini MD of Farmington, CT; and Stephen W. Ripley and his wife Joan of Methuen. He was the proud grandfather of Sara Swanger, David Karimeddini MD, David Ripley, Steven Karimeddini, Mary Carter, James Ripley, Jennifer Ripley, Joseph Ripley and Peter Karimeddini. He had eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews
ARRANGEMENTS: Calling hours will be on Sunday, Oct. 3 from 3 to 7 PM at the Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. A funeral service will be held at Marsh Corner Community Church, 317 Pelham St., Methuen, 01844 at 10 AM on Monday, Oct. 4. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen. Memorial contributions may be made to Marsh Corner Community Church.