Joseph A. Ripepi Jr.

October 28, 2017

A Memorial to honor Joey will be announced at a later date Joseph A. Ripepi Jr. (Joey), age 45, passed away peacefully on October 28 after a long and brave battle with several serious medical conditions, His Mom was by his side to comfort him at the time of his passing. Joey showed extreme courage in the face of many challenges and taught all of us so much about the strength of love and the human spirit. Joey was born in Orlando Florida on July 8, 1972 to Barbara (Harriott) Ripepi Hansen and Joseph Anthony Ripepi, Sr. He spent his early years in Florida and the Schenectady NY area, but lived most of his life in Connecticut. After a traumatic brain injury at the age of 18 he was able to live semi-independently for many years. As his health worsened in recent years, he has required the specialized care of a nursing home. Joey was an avid sports fan and enthusiastically rooted on his favorite teams, including the NY Giants and the NY Mets. He was a real fan of the great music of the 60s, 70s and 80s and enjoyed listening to his extensive collection of CDs. He also enjoyed his many DVDs of favorite movies and TV shows. He was truly an expert on sports and music trivia. Being with his family was the most important thing to Joey. His always enjoyed his visits and phone calls with his sister Laura and he enthusiastically looked forward to holidays and family gatherings. He had a special bond with his family’s dog Angel and he treasured her visits to him every Sunday. He was so happy to be an uncle to his “special buddy” Cole Carroll. We are comforted to know he will be a guardian angel to his niece, due to come into the world very soon. Joey was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Lloyd C. Harriott, his uncle John T. Harriott, his paternal grandmother Terry B. Ripepi and grandfather Thomas Ripepi. Joe is survived by his loving and dedicated mother Barbara (Harriott) Hansen, his stepfather Tony Hansen with whom he had a special relationship, his beloved sister Laura Carroll, her husband John Carroll and their son Cole Carroll, his grandmother Marie R. Harriott, his Uncle Lloyd R. Harriott and wife Theresa, his aunt Teresa, his cousins Michelle Bardey, Caroline Harriott and Richard Harriott, his aunt Mary Ann Hansen and step-brothers Robert Hansen and James Hansen. Joey’s family wishes to extend a very special thanks to those at Hughes Health and Rehabilitation In West Hartford who provided such loving and special care and friendship to Joe for the past 5 years and to the caring staff at DaVita Dialysis in Bloomfield. The family hopes you will show extra special kindness and consideration to those with special needs as your way of honoring Joey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics. A private burial will be held on November 3.