Obituary of Gregory M. Ripka

FAIRFIELD, CONN Gregory Michael Ripka, age 51, of Fairfield, CT, passed peacefully on November 23, 2023, after a courageous two-year battle with colon cancer. Greg was born in La Grange, IL, to John and Bernadine Ripka and grew up in Westport, CT. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Kimberly Massa, their daughter Abby, both of his parents, his brother Mark Ripka and his wife Kate, his brother Brett Ripka and his wife Kristen and their two children, Emma and Josephine. Greg was a graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, CT, with a degree in History. Following college, Greg held various roles as a research analyst managing fixed-income portfolios. Most recently at Genworth Financial as a Director of Corporate Credit Research focusing on High-yield bonds and the Energy sector. Greg loved history, music, art, architecture, interior and landscape design and was an avid fly fisherman and voracious reader of history. He will be remembered for his incredible resilience, contagious optimism, outstanding work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and ability to make people laugh. Greg was characterized as protective and loyal by his family and will continue to serve as an inspiration to those who knew him for years to come. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following charities of your choice in Greg's honor. Colon Cancer Foundation The Cancer Research Fund at Nuvance Health Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Luke Church, Westport. His interment will be private in Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport.