Richard Armand "Rip" Reopel

Richard Armand Reopel , 93, of Ludlow, MA passed away peacefully on Friday, August 18, 2023. Son of the late Osa and Aldea (St. Cyr) Reopel, he was born in Southbridge, MA on December 14, 1929.  He attended Charlton Street School, Cole Trade School and graduated from Western New England College in 1974 after 17 years and quite a bit of homework help from his wife. He served as a U.S. Army Corporal in Korea from 1951-1953 and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, two bronze stars and the United Nations Service Medal. Rip, as he was known to family and friends, was a proud Korean War veteran serving as commander and chaplain for the Western New England Chapter of the Korean War Veteran Association.  He played a key role in the 2007 dedication of the Korean Veteran’s Memorial in Springfield, MA.

Rip and Jeannette were married on May 31, 1951 and were Ludlow residents since 1956.  Rip provided for his family as an industrial engineer for various job shops and manufacturers.  He retired as a cost analyst at Combustion Engineering in 1990. Rip was an active member of St. Elizabeth’s Parish and the League of the Sacred Heart. He and Jeannette supported the annual meat pie fundraiser, among many other charitable activities.

Rip is survived by his wife of 72 years Jeannette (Arsenault) Reopel of Ludlow; three children Michael Reopel (Gloria) of Bedford, NH, Patricia Szarek (Peter) of Raleigh, NC and June Contant (Charles) of Springfield; 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren and counting.  He was predeceased by his sister Jean Gaudette.                                 .

The family invites friends to call on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 9:00-10:00 AM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall St., Ludlow, MA followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in St. Elizabeth’s Parish, 181 Hubbard St., Ludlow, MA.  Interment will be in Island Pond Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Elizabeth’s Parish in Rip’s name.