Donald Edward Van Riper, age 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, February 14th, 2022 with his family by his side. Born in October of 1936 to Ella May Lake and Carl Van Riper. He leaves behind (2) sisters Dorothy Persson and Nancy Wilkinson, (3) devoted children: son Gerald Van Riper and daughters Donna Bergmann (Anton) and Cynthia Caserta (Richard), (6) Grandchildren, (4) great grandchildren and his devoted companion of (4) years Lee Hegarty. He was predeceased by his wife Geraldine Luckey, his parents Carl and Ella, sister Margie Boos and brother Carl Jr.

Don was a devoted husband and father. He worked several jobs as a young man but eventually settled on being an accomplished journeyman toolmaker/mold maker for 40 years. Don loved life and was often the life of the party. Don had flair for dressing in bright colors and wore bright yellow often.  He loved to dance and was quite good as a roller-skating dancer. Something he shared with his wife Gerri since high school.

Born in northern New Jersey and graduating from Morristown High School Don married in 1957 to his wife Geraldine where they moved around to several towns in the northern NJ area until retiring in Palmer Pa in 2003.  After his wife of 59 years Geraldine died in 2017, Don moved to South Carolina, a place he visited many times with her over the years and always dreamed of moving to. He absolutely loved his little slice of heaven in Pawley's Island.

Don loved the beach! He spent many summers as a young man at the New Jersey shore.

He developed his love for the beach during his teens when he helped his father build a summer beach home in Mayetta, NJ where he spent many summers. After getting married he spent several vacations with his wife and children down the shore at the family beach house.

Don had become a devoted Catholic and became a Eucharist Minister. In retirement, he and his wife Gerri served meals at the St. Francis Retreat House for their local church in Palmer Pennsylvania and volunteered at St. Luke's Hospital for many years. He was a leader of two different Boy Scout troops with his son Gerald. Don was a gifted artist and showed natural talent at a young age for drawing and painting. Don was a die-hard Giants and Mets fan, and seldom ever missed watching either of them play.

Donald was an extremely honest man, a man of integrity and stood behind his promises no matter what the consequences. He was generous with all he had. He was committed to peace and peace in the family. One of his greatest desires was that his family would always care about each other. Don was a devoted husband, father and brother who will be missed greatly by all those who loved him.  Don was and an outstanding role model who never missed an opportunity to do what was right.  Donald will be honored with a Celebration of Life mass at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Newton, NJ on April 29 ^th , 2022 at 10: AM.