Ronald William Riopel

Riopel, Ronald William 77, of Tampa, FL. passed away on November 7, 2021. Ron was born in Central Falls, RI. He proudly served in the United States Army, Navy and Air Force, where he received numerous awards and medals including the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Sharpshooter Badge. After starting a family Ron and his late wife Barbara moved to the Tampa Bay Area in 1977. After retiring from the military, Ron became a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service. Ron and Barbara then moved to Murphy,North Carolina early 2000’s. Although they loved the Carolina’s, where they enjoyed living in their shabby chic home and spent their time volunteering at a no kill shelter, in 2014, they were missing the Florida lifestyle and moved back to Tampa. Ron enjoyed cruising, scuba diving, listening to music, and of course cheering on the Tampa Bay Lightning, but most of all spending time with family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Barbara Riopel; parents, Rene and Rhea Riopel; and sister, Connie Rice.

Ron is survived by her loving sons, Scott Riopel and his wife Angela Heigl, and John Riopel and his wife Kris Watkinson; grandsons, Ryland Riopel, Devin Willenbrink, and Elijah Willenbrink; sisters, Jane Winderman and her husband Bob and Doris Anez and her husband Jack..

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors are being planned at this time and once details are finalized, we will post, so please check back.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Ron's honor, please send any donations to Logan's Run Rescue at 3000 US Highway West Suite 118 Murphy, NC 28906 where Ron and Barbara spent many hours volunteering their time at the thrift store providing funds to the shelter.