David J. Ripa, a former resident of New Hempstead, NY, died Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY. He was 62. The son of the late Joseph Ripa and Dorothy Roser Ripa, he was born in Cornwall, NY on December 22, 1944. He was the husband of Pharoby Potter Ripa. David was a Senior Special Agent in Charge for U.S. Customs at Newark, New Jersey. He attended Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT and JFK School of Government at Harvard University. He was a member of the Fort Montgomery United Methodist Church in Fort Montgomery, NY. Family Statement: "Although David rose to the top of his profession and was greatly respected by all who worked with him, he was a family man above all else and his favorite job was Grand Daddy Daycare. David was a man who was deeply loved by all those he has left behind. A Gift that will forever be cherished. A Husband, a Father, a Brother, a Friend, and best of all, PaPa." Survivors include his wife, Pharoby Ripa at home; son, Jeremy Ripa of Highland Falls, NY; daughters, Amanda Ripa of Taunton, MA and Megan Walsh and her husband Christopher of Highland Falls, NY; brother, George Ripa and his wife Sylvia of New Windsor, NY; grandchildren, Alexa and David Walsh; and a wide and loving family. He was predeceased by a brother, Jack Ripa. Friends may call on Sunday, June 3, 2007 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY. Funeral Services will take place on Monday, June 4, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Montgomery United Methodist Church, Route 9W, Fort Montgomery, NY, with Rev. Judy Sibley officiating. Burial will follow in Eagle Valley Cemetery, Town of Highlands, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to Fort Montgomery United Methodist Church, Route 9W, Fort Montgomery, NY or Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation -Cardiac Division, 255 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern, NY 10901. Funeral arrangements were made by William F. Hogan Funeral Home, Highland Falls, NY.

Published in the The Journal News on June 2, 2007