LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Robert R. Ripberger,
distinguished citizen, sportsman and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is with deep regret that this Legislative Body records the
passing of Central New York sportsman Robert R. Ripberger, longtime
resident of Syracuse's Valley section, on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at the
Van Duyn Home and Hospital in Syracuse, at the age of 92; and
WHEREAS, Born in Syracuse, Robert R. Ripberger lived in the Valley for
the past 65 years; he was a graduate of Most Holy Rosary School and was
retired from Carrier Corp. after 25 years of dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, After taking his first hunting and fishing trip to the
Adirondacks in his 20s, Robert Ripberger immersed himself in sporting
and environmental organizations and endeavors; he taught the hunter
safety course for more than five decades, organized the first annual
Kids' Fishing Derby at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery, now held at
Hiawatha Lake, and was instrumental in establishing New York's bow-hunt-
ing season; and
WHEREAS, He was also in the forefront of persuading State officials to
reopen Onondaga Lake for catch-and-release fishing in 1987 and, in
recent years, when he no longer had the strength to draw and shoot a
traditional longbow or modern compound bow, he actively campaigned to
make the crossbow a legal hunting implement and to establish a crossbow
season; and
WHEREAS, An officer of the Elmwood Fish and Game Club, Robert Ripber-
ger also served as an officer or board member of the New York State
Conservation Council, Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA),
Oneida Lake Association and the Onondaga County Federation of
Sportsmen's Clubs, among other groups; and
WHEREAS, He was, in addition, a founding member of the Central New
York Bowman in 1953; he helped the Central New York Chapter of the Izaak
Walton League get off to a strong start and was also a member of the
Jaycees for 13 years; and
WHEREAS, Robert Ripberger spent his whole life volunteering; he will
long be remembered by sportsmen, conservationists and others for the
hours of hunting and fishing time he sacrificed to serve sporting and
civic organizations; and
WHEREAS, Robert R. Ripberger's lifelong efforts were fittingly
rewarded when, in 2007, he was honored with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's Environmental Quality Award and, in November 2009,
when the Friends of Carpenter's Brook Hatchery established the Robert
and June Ripberger Scholarship Fund to honor his work; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his son, R. Dale Ripberger, in 1995, Robert R.
Ripberger is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, the former June
Mooney; his son, Ron (Kate) Ripberger; his granddaughter, Gayle Pistilli
Mueller; his great-grandchildren, Allyson, Cori and Jacob; his nieces,
Cheryl (Mark) Matt and Roberta (Andy) Whiting; his nephew, Paul (Elaine)
Welenc; and a legion of friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, A true all-around sportsman, over his meritorious life,
Robert R. Ripberger distinguished himself as a man of sincere dedication
and substantial contribution to the welfare and quality of life of his
community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of Robert R. Ripberger, to celebrate his life, and
to recognize and honor his many accomplishments; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Robert R. Ripberger.