And he did it all so quietly that even his own family didn’t fully realize the scope of his impact until his Celebration of Life.

Gerard “Jerry” Ripo, Class of 1966, lived a life that embodied the very best of what it means to be a Sayville alumnus — a master carpenter, a devoted servant of the Lord, and a man whose idea of a vacation was a mission trip. From his roots on Palmer Avenue to five decades of building homes in Sarasota, Florida, and mission work across Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras, Jerry’s story is one of purpose, humility, and enduring friendship.

His daughter Laura recently connected with Jacob Cherian, who leads the Honduran orphanage where Jerry volunteered for years. Jacob’s reflection — which you’ll read in full below — captures both the physical legacy Jerry left behind (14 sets of bunk beds, dining tables, benches, and desks) and the personal impact he had on the people he served. “The kids eat at those tables, watch tv on those benches, and sleep on those beds every single day,” Jacob wrote. “He exuded so much joy.”

We’re honored to share Jerry’s story with you. Please take a moment to read the full tribute below, and join us in remembering a man who truly lived out his faith — one project, one conversation, and one act of quiet kindness at a time.