Steven Stuart Ripper came into this world on February 6, 1966, as a vibrant, fun-loving soul who lit a spark of joy in everyone he encountered.  He was born in Manhattan, New York to his mother Helena "Lena" Curran a hard-working Irish immigrant, and to Andras "Andrew" Ripper a Hungarian immigrant.   Lena sometimes held up to three jobs to support her son, after his father left when Steve was only two.  Steve had no siblings, but he adopted a devoted band of friends, many of whom he maintained contact with throughout his adult life.  He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Lucy, his dog Ellie, his in-laws Paul and Peg Clemons, his extended family in Ireland, and the United Kingdom, as well as his amazing family of friends.

Steve's humor, and child-like joie de vie were insuppressible. He could often be found enjoying a cold pint and bending an ear or two with his animated, story-telling.  He liked nothing better than to be laughing with friends over a shared meal.  He enjoyed music and could often be overheard belting out an unrecognizable tune while mowing the lawn, driving down the road, or working on a project.  In his free time he was a voracious reader of history, an avid Trekkie, a faithful Liverpool fan, enjoyed exploring shoreline and wooded trails with "his girls", scale modeling, strategy games, and delighting people with his amazing spaghetti and meatballs, and chocolate cream pie.

Steve was a dedicated employee of Portsmouth Computer Group for over twenty-six years.  In his time there he became a senior Network Engineer, specialized in Internet Security, and enjoyed conducting training sessions to educate clients.  He will be greatly missed by his co-workers and many of his client contacts.

Steve passed quietly at home on Monday June 3, 2024, in the presence of his loving wife, and his dog Ellie, after a short battle with a rare neurological condition, called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.   He is predeceased by his mother Helena Curran Monahan.

If he could, Steve would tell you do not hold onto anger, fear or regret, but instead find happiness in every moment that you can.  He would tell you to love deeply.  Don't be afraid to be the first one up on the dance floor.  Settle an argument with a spontaneous Sumo match.  Eat an ice cream cone on a hot day, especially if it's a Drumstick.  Sing out loud, even if you can't carry a tune.  Share stories and jokes over a cold pint with friends.  Find joy!

A Celebration of Life will be held August 17, 2024, at Tributary Brewing Company to commemorate his passing with live music, storytelling, good food, excellent beer, and exceptional company.

In lieu of flowers please consider a charitable donation in Steve's name to either the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Cocheco Valley in Dover, New Hampshire, or The National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center at Case Western University, in Cleveland, Ohio.

https://popememorialcvhs.org/donate/

https://case.edu/medicine/pathology/divisions/national-prion-disease-pathology-surveillance-center/resources-families/donation-information#:~:text=Honorary%20and%20memorial%20contributions%20can,memory%20of%20your%20loved%20one .