Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home
Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | February 24, 2026
Carl David “Dave” Rippel, age 67, of Forward Twp., passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026. Born February 21, 1959, in Elizabeth, Dave was the beloved son of the late Albert “Bud” and Lucy (Swisher) Rippel. He was a proud and devoted father to Summer (Jonathan) Pepe of Elizabeth Twp., Joel (Julie) Rippel of Forward Twp. and Kristine (Blake) Gibasiewicz of Irwin, and an adoring grandfather to Parker and Peyton Pepe, James “JD” David, Jolene and June Rippel, and Danielle and Andi Gibasiewicz. His family was the center of his world, and nothing brought him greater happiness than being “Pap.” The love he had for his children and grandchildren was constant, steady and deeply felt. He will also be missed greatly by numerous friends and family, including his two sisters, Nancy (Kenneth) Hall of Picayune, MS and Cindy Halliday of Acworth, GA; brother, Ronnie (Debbie) Rippel of Forward Twp.; nieces and nephews; and his former wife, Yvonne Strotman, with whom he remained connected through the family they built together. A retired member of the Operators Union, Dave worked at Yarborough Construction, where he made many lifelong friends. Outside of work, and even though he complained about it all the time, he found his greatest peace and joy on the family farm, a place that meant so much to him. Dave’s love language was simple, he showed he cared by stopping by with “something.” Whether it was a watermelon in the summer, a dozen ears of fresh corn from Triple B, or a bag (or two) of candy, these small gestures spoke volumes. It was his way of checking in, of staying connected, and of saying “I’m thinking of you” without needing many words. He will be remembered for his generous heart, his steady presence, and the many small kindnesses that made the people around him feel loved. Dave will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family and all who were lucky enough to know him. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 4-7 PM. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
Originally published February 24, 2026.
Other deaths:
"Hillary "Jamie" Gene …" || "Beverly Sue Knauer"
