Carmine Frank Ripa, 72, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., passed away December 30, 2017, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer with his wife and daughters by his side.

Born on January 4, 1945, in Newport, Maureen (Faerber) Ripa of Port St. Lucie; two daughters, Jennifer LaVault and her husband Patrick, and Melissa Ripa, both of Tiverton; a son, Jonathan Ripa of Fall River; four grandchildren, Brendon, Nickolas and Zachary LaVault, and Morgan Aguiar; and his siblings, Sandra Cotta (David) of Portsmouth, John Ripa (Barbara) of Middletown, and Josie Sleeper of Newport.

Carmine was the son of the late Sebastion and Florence (Weaver) Ripa, and brother-in-law of John Sleeper.

Carmine graduated from Rogers High School and received his Associate Degree from CCRI. He served in Vietnam for the US Army from 1965-1967.

Prior to retirement, Carmine was a lieutenant for the Newport Fire Department where he was a member of the International Association of Firefighters. He also worked for Anthony’s Seafood, Coastal Electric and was the owner of Island Antenna for many years.

Carmine was a hard working, talented man, never a man of leisure. His main focus was on his family and teaching honesty, compassion and love. He will be most remembered for hosting annual pool parties, helping others and spoiling his grandchildren.

Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 22, from 4-7 p.m. at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23m at 10 a.m. in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Newport Fire Department Rescue Fund, 21 West Marlborough St, Newport RI.

Online tribute at www.memorialfuneralhome.com