Terence Elmore Rippon, of Hackettstown NJ passed away February 21st after a brief illness.  He was 93. Born in Nottingham, England in 1931, He grew up in wartime England and vividly remembered the “Battle of Britain” in 1940 and the air raids of 1941. In 1942 he was relocated, along with many children, to Wales for their safety.

“Terry” left home at the age of 16 and joined the British Merchant Navy. He attended the sea school T.S. Vindicatrix and became one of the “Vindi Boys”.   His first ship was a 1,600-ton freighter, when he got caught in a storm in the Bay of Biscay, with 40’ swells. Over the years Terry sailed around the world and visited every major port. The highlight of his career was his service on the RMS Queen Elizabeth. He was a first-class steward, and during that time he took care of many Hollywood actors including Anthony Quinn and Van Johnson. He made over 300 transatlantic crossings between Portsmouth and New York.

In 1962 he pulled into Port Newark, which would be his final sailing, where he met his future wife “Margie”, who was working in a coffee shop.  Margie was the love of his life, and they were together until she passed 6 months ago.  Together they raised a beautiful family.  While it wasn’t always easy, he provided for his family. He worked for Rod’s Roadhouse, The Essex House and finally as a security guard in the maternity ward of Saint Barnabas Hospital.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, William Elmore and Beatrice Rippon. His stepfather, Harry Knight. His loving wife Margie. He is survived by his children, Terence A. Rippon (Sherry), Lawrence J. Rippon (Gina) and Naomi Novinski (Michael).  Grandchildren Terence G., Victoria M., Taylor A., Skyler R., Samuel L., Benjamin P. and Abigail M.

Terry was a distinguished English gentleman, a kind loving husband and father. He always had a story to tell, and he will be missed by all who knew him.  “Fair Winds and Following Seas” sailor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 26th at 11 am at Saint Mark the Evangelist RC Church, 59 Spring Ln. Long Valley, NJ 07853. The viewing and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to the West Orange PBA Local 25, 625 Eagle Rock Ave. PMB 392, West Orange, NJ 07052.