PORTVILLE — Donald R. Ripple passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Sunday (Aug. 3, 2025) in Rochester, surrounded by his loving family. His wife Robin provided much comfort and never left his side.

He was born May 20, 1953, to Thomas and Dolores Wilson Ripple in Cuba.

Throughout the years, Don was employed by Friendship School, Hahn Schaffner, Acme Electric Corp. and Alstrom. He also served as a volunteer fireman for the town of Friendship.

Don was a member of the Portville Legion Post 0814, the Cuba VFW, Olean Saint Steven’s Club, Olean Pulaski Club and the Cuba Amvets.

In his younger years, Don loved and excelled in all sports including baseball, soccer, track and field, bowling, pool and archery. He was a Boy Scout troop leader in Friendship.

In his later years, he loved to collect antiques. One of his most favorite things to do was spend time with family and friends. He enjoyed spending time at his camp at Breezy Point, fishing with the kids and grandkids, building campfires and taking the grandkids for rides on the side-by-side and golf cart.

Don is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Robin Ripple of Portville, whom he married Jan. 2, 1996; his children, Jon (Paula) Burnett of South Carolina, Anne Drayton of Olean, Amanda Mason of Olean, Mindy (Josh) Henderson of Randolph, Michelle Beck of Portville and Jonathan (Tuesday) Trumble of Arkansas; and grandchildren, Jocelyn Evans, Tia and Braelynn Barber, Apollo and Malana Drayton, Mya Mason, Savannah Burnett, Cooper, Owen and Walker Henderson, Rheannon (Mark) Burdick and Caidon Beck. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Avery, Markie and Waylon Burdick, Valen Colon, Kyrie Shoup and Elijah Barber. He also fostered many foster children throughout the years. Also surviving are his sisters, Lori (Deane) Hathaway of Friendship and Linda Bernard of Cuba; and a brother, Gary (Lorna) of Friendship.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Ripple; mother Dolores Ripple; a sister, Darlene Thompson; and brothers, Richard Ripple and David Bell.

A celebration of Don’s life will be planned at a later date.