James Frank 'Rip' Ruopoli

James Frank 'Rip' Ruopoli Jr., 80, of Charleston, SC, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2015. He was born on Friday, January 25, 1935 in Queens, NY, to the late Marie and James Ruopoli, Sr. Rip served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Harry F. Bauer DM-26. He was honorably discharged in 1956, after serving four years. After his discharge, Rip served in the Charleston Police Department, and was Officer of the Year in 1963. He was a coach for boxing and baseball for the Police Athletic League. He was then a Navy Yard police officer for many years and served as a US Marshall. Rip federally retired from the United States Post Office. He was an avid baseball fan, and played softball for the Men's Senior Olympic Team. He also enjoyed bowling and loved spending time with his dogs, Luci and Susie. Rip will be remembered by his family as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Besides his parents, Rip was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Ester LaNell and his brother, Tony Ruopoli. He is survived by one daughter, Rose Marie Ruopoli of Ithica, NY; three sons: James F. 'Rip' Ruopoli III and his wife, Michelle, of Mt. Pleasant; Michael J. Ruopoli and his wife, Elisa, of Charleston; and Frank A. Ruopoli and his wife, Regina. of Charleston; six grandchildren: Andrew Sibbald, Lauren Ruopoli, Allison Ruopoli, Kirsten Ruopoli, Gabrielle Ruopoli and Milo Ruopoli; two step-grandchildren: Chance Leaird and Hunter Leaird; two sisters: Lucille Czarnecki and her husband, Eddie, of PA and Rose Mary McCollough and her husband, Bill, of GA; and one brother, Frank Ruopoli and his wife, Irene, of NY. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home West Ashley Chapel. A Memorial Service will be held at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home West Ashley Chapel, on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at 7:00 PM, with Rev. Ryan Lyles officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McAlister-Smith.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, 843-722-8371.

Visitation:
Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Service:
Wednesday, August 5, 2015