LAKE BOMOSEEN, VT — God welcomed home one of His angels. Michael Paul Ripchik passed away at his home in Lake Bomoseen on January 17, 2023 at the age of 59. For those who had the chance to meet Mike, they know how truly special he was. He brought smiles and a warmth of unconditional love to everyone he touched. Michael was born on June 11, 1963, in Saratoga Springs.
Mike was always around sports and loved his professional wrestling. He was a lifelong “Blue Streak” fan. There wouldn’t be a week that passed that Mike wasn’t seen wearing either a WWE shirt or the Riddell practice jersey that he got from the HS football coach. He followed his favorite athlete Tom Brady, rooting on the Patriots and then Buccaneers. Mike participated and supported the Special Olympics and especially enjoyed watching his nieces and nephews play in all of their games and matches either in person or online.
Mike was one of the first students to be part of the Saratoga ARC program who would also learn a skill as part of Saratoga BOCES. Prior to his retirement he would use what he learned at school in several jobs. He worked as a kitchen helper at the O’Bryan Inn, and Saint Clement’s Parish, and also as a volunteer worker at Lee Community Health Care Nursing Home. However, the jobs he enjoyed the most were as an usher and greeter at St Columbkille Church, and the “Mayor” of Cinnamon Cove. Mike could be seen every weekend when he was in Florida smiling and saying hello to the parishioners as they entered. In the neighborhood he could often be seen laying in the sun, swimming at the pool, or playing a game of billiards at the clubhouse in his Fort Myers, FL community. Mike was bigger than life, and he couldn’t be missed riding around the neighborhood on his bike wearing his official title hat for everyone to see.
Michael is survived by his mother and father, Suzanne and Paul Ripchik, his brother and sister Paul Ripchik Jr (Amy) and Ann Laros (Adrian), and his five nieces and nephews loved him dearly; Spencer and Ellie Ripchik, Aidan, Adam and Allison Laros. He was predeceased by his Nana and Poppi, Dorothy and Arthur Boddette, and Mamere and Papere, Theresa and Peter Ripchik. His family meant the world to him, and their lives have been enriched by his love.
A memorial service will be held on June 10, 2023 at St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes, VT. This was the church that Michael grew up going to as a young boy. A reception will be held following at his home in Bomoseen, Vermont. His final resting place will be at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Fort Myers, FL.
Michael could often be seen watching commercials for St Jude’s Research Hospital. Mike was always giving away the dollars he had in his wallet. You could know that Mike would sneak a couple in your card or a letter that he might send. His family would ask that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made in Mike’s name to St. Jude’s www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html
