Daniel P. Ripley, 57, died Monday, August 1, 2022.

Dan was born in Boston, son of the late Richard and Patricia (Milligan) Ripley. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Dan was an iron worker for Iron Workers Local 7-Boston for over 20 years. He loved to “walk the iron” where he felt so alive, free, and connected to nature.

Dan spent over 25 years volunteering through organizations that supported families in recovery. He played a significant role as a one term President of Sober in the Sun from 1999 through 2001 but remained active on the Board and volunteering for over 25 years. He was also a Lead Peer at Everyday Miracles Peer Recovery Community Center. Helping people is what Dan did. He spent time with his daughter Brooklyn distributing blankets in the winter and cool waters in the summer to aid the homeless community in Worcester. Dan saved many lives through his support and guidance during their journey through recovery. He was respected and loved by all who were touched by his compassion.

Dan’s higher power was nature. He found his inner peace through spending time outdoors; ice fishing, exploring, camping, yard work and taking long drives with his children.

Dan adored his family. He enjoyed having a house full of laughter and love which he was surrounded by. He loved hosting family gatherings from cookouts to holidays, indoor movies to building blanket forts in the living room. He was known to open his home to anyone in need of a safe place. Dan was a caretaker. He took on so many different roles in his family. He was a grill master, party planner, a handyman and a nurturer; tender and kind. Children were drawn to him as he had a very playful demeanor. It would not be uncommon for you to see Dan with a baby in his arms or playing on the floor.

He is survived by his daughters; Brooklyn P. Ripley of Rutland, Kaylee E. Polich of Cape Coral, FL, and his son Kullen J. Boucher of Rutland, his best friend and soulmate, Marlene E. Boucher-Ripley of Rutland; his beloved grandchildren Jace C. Polich and Jovie A. Polich of Cape Coral, his nephew and best friend Dana Donovan and his wife Sky of Marlborough, his sister Colleen Ripley of Westborough and many nephews and nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins along with the Wooldridge Family who claimed him as their brother. He will also be missed by his faithful companions, his dogs Nala, Eleven and Lucy.

He was predeceased by his son, Patrick H. Grenier in 2021 and, his brothers Richard and Dana M. Ripley.
Visiting Hours to celebrate Dan’s life will be held Thursday, August 11th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at Callahan Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle Street. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, August 12th at 10:00am in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.