Celebrating the life of
Richard "Rip" Nessola
February 06, 1923 - July 04, 2013
Savannah- "Rip" passed away Thursday, July 4, 2013 at his home. He was 90 years young, born in Savannah and attended Chatham County Schools. In 1940 he joined the U.S. Navy and served his last tour on the "USS Tarawa-CV-40". In 1961 he retired out as a "Chief Petty Officer" and returned to Savannah. He loved the Military Life. Rip was a member of the American Legion Post 184 and the Fleet Reserve Association. After returning to Savannah, he opened "Rip's Original 7/11 Minit Store" on Skidaway Rd. and 41st St. He remained owner and operator until it was sold in 1987. He was a past member and manager of The Forest City Gun Club where he enjoyed shooting Skeet. Rip became an avid bowler and belonged to several league's including the Savannah Senior League at Savannah Lanes, The Wednesday Night Warriors, and The Senior Fun Day on Friday. He was also a member of the United States Bowling Congress.
Rip was a Presbyterian and preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Nessola, a brother, Charles Edward Lee, and several nieces and nephews.
Survivors include his wife, Alice L. Nessola; his children, Charles W. Nessola and his wife, Joy, Jerry E. Woods and his wife, Diane, all of Savannah, Cheryl N. Buehrle and her husband Al of Dallas, OR and Darlene N. Arterburn and her husband, David of Garland, TX. Rip had eleven grandchildren and four and ½ great-grandchildren.
As generous as Rip was in life, so was he in death. He wanted to leave his body to the Medical College of Georgia where someone could learn from him.
There will be no service at this time as per Rip's wishes, maybe at a later date.
Remembrances: Island's Hospice or a charity of choice.
Please sign our guest book on line at www.foxandweeks.com
I thought of Rip quite a bit after leaving Savannah in 1967. I was one of the many who worked at the store from Hunter AFB. Although I only worked from 65 to 67, knowing Rip was an experience I will never forget. I especially appreciated the weekend he took me skiing. Rest in Peace Rip. You shaped many lives.
- Robert Rutland, Cumming, GA
There will never be another one like him! I loved his wit, humor, and independence. He knew so much about so many things and had a zest for life that made me think 'retirement' might not be such a bad deal! I loved that he raised the Stars & Stripes each day, the way he loved island life, and the way he loved his wife and family. Gone from our sight, but never forgotten...
- Laura Nessola, Homosassa, FL
I can only hope to be as tough, facetiously ornery, and funny when I get to such a grand old age as him. I will never forget our conversations about military service and sitting out in his work shop sipping root beers or looking out over the water on the dock. Fair winds and following seas, grand pa.
- Matthew Nessola, Camp Leatherneck,
I was so sorry to hear about Rip's passing. I'll always remember the party boat and crabbing. What a great and fun guy. No more pain and suffering. Your family is in my prayers
- Panky Russell, San Antonio, TX
Alice, Cheryl, Darlene, Jerry & Charles - I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a good man. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
- Sheila Scarboro Hankinson, Bluffton, SC
Alice, Cheryl, Darlene, and Jerry I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have such fond memories of our teenage years and the families that took part in our growing up. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. - Nina Rountree Maloney
- Nina Rountree Maloney, Savannah, GA
My condolences to the family. Rip was a very fine gentilman
- Earl Law, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Ron Carmichael, Augusta, GA
A truly fine gentleman that will be missed greatly.
- Bobby @ Jerry Fields, Savannah, GA
Grandpa, I love you and miss you. You always could make me laugh even if I wasn't in the best mood. You are one of the strongest/ toughest men I've known. I looked up to you in so many ways. I'm so blessed to have a grandpa like you! You will be deeply missed by so many! With Love, Shelley
- Shelley Booher, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of sorrow. Fair Winds and Followeing Seas shipmate.
- Stephen Horne, Metter, GA
Rip was a great bowling partner. He was a very kind man. Especially to my husband, Hickson Cheek, after Hickson lost his eyesite. Rip helped him to continue to bowl. He was a funny guy and could always make you laugh. A joy to be around. He will be missed!!!
- Carolyn Cheek, Savannah, GA
Alice,Charles,Jerry,Cheryl and Darlene, you have our prayers and know that Rip is at peace. Love you'all Anne, Joe and girls
- Anne H Snead, Savannah, GA
Your pain and suffering are over. You are greatly missed. I am so blessed to have you for my Daddy. With our love, Al & Cheryl
- Al & Cheryl Buehrle, Dallas, OR
I thought of Rip quite a bit after leaving Savannah in 1967. I was one of the many who worked at the store from Hunter AFB. Although I only worked from 65 to 67, knowing Rip was an experience I will never forget. I especially appreciated the weekend he took me skiing. Rest in Peace Rip. You shaped many lives.
- Robert Rutland, Cumming, GA
There will never be another one like him! I loved his wit, humor, and independence. He knew so much about so many things and had a zest for life that made me think 'retirement' might not be such a bad deal! I loved that he raised the Stars & Stripes each day, the way he loved island life, and the way he loved his wife and family. Gone from our sight, but never forgotten...
- Laura Nessola, Homosassa, FL
I can only hope to be as tough, facetiously ornery, and funny when I get to such a grand old age as him. I will never forget our conversations about military service and sitting out in his work shop sipping root beers or looking out over the water on the dock. Fair winds and following seas, grand pa.
- Matthew Nessola, Camp Leatherneck,
I was so sorry to hear about Rip's passing. I'll always remember the party boat and crabbing. What a great and fun guy. No more pain and suffering. Your family is in my prayers
- Panky Russell, San Antonio, TX
Alice, Cheryl, Darlene, Jerry & Charles - I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a good man. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
- Sheila Scarboro Hankinson, Bluffton, SC
Alice, Cheryl, Darlene, and Jerry I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have such fond memories of our teenage years and the families that took part in our growing up. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. - Nina Rountree Maloney
- Nina Rountree Maloney, Savannah, GA
My condolences to the family. Rip was a very fine gentilman
- Earl Law, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Ron Carmichael, Augusta, GA
A truly fine gentleman that will be missed greatly.
- Bobby @ Jerry Fields, Savannah, GA
Grandpa, I love you and miss you. You always could make me laugh even if I wasn't in the best mood. You are one of the strongest/ toughest men I've known. I looked up to you in so many ways. I'm so blessed to have a grandpa like you! You will be deeply missed by so many! With Love, Shelley
- Shelley Booher, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of sorrow. Fair Winds and Followeing Seas shipmate.
- Stephen Horne, Metter, GA
Rip was a great bowling partner. He was a very kind man. Especially to my husband, Hickson Cheek, after Hickson lost his eyesite. Rip helped him to continue to bowl. He was a funny guy and could always make you laugh. A joy to be around. He will be missed!!!
- Carolyn Cheek, Savannah, GA
Alice,Charles,Jerry,Cheryl and Darlene, you have our prayers and know that Rip is at peace. Love you'all Anne, Joe and girls
- Anne H Snead, Savannah, GA
Your pain and suffering are over. You are greatly missed. I am so blessed to have you for my Daddy. With our love, Al & Cheryl
- Al & Cheryl Buehrle, Dallas, OR
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
