Francis J. “Skip” Ribar, 78, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on June 2nd, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He was born on July 24th, 1946, the son of the late Katherine Ribar Trappen and Francis Trappen. Following his mother’s passing, he was lovingly raised by his uncle and aunt, the late Edward J. and Elizabeth A. Ribar of Freedom. He was also preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Edward T. and Mary Alice Ribar, his mother- and father-in-law, Irene Triance of Rochester, and Julius Pletz of Beaver Falls, and brothers-in-law, Julius A. Pletz and Tony Paisley of Virginia.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Susan L. Ribar and their children: Richard E. of Saratoga Springs, Utah, Dana M. (Dayton) Cummings of New Brighton, Michael F. (Stacey) of Gibsonia, and his sister, Emily J. Ribar of Beaver. He is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Thomas (Diane) Pletz of Daugherty Township, Gary (Eileen) Pletz of Virginia and Donna Paisley of Florida.

Francis dearly loved his grandchildren: Ethan, Rowan, Brynn, Lydia, and Regan, who will forever cherish memories of his wonderful sense of humor and caring nature. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and the many friends he made throughout his years, especially those from St. Felix Catholic Elementary School, Freedom Area High School Class of 1964, and the New Brighton Eagles.

During his career, Francis worked at the Pennsylvania Railroad in Conway, and retired from Duquesne Light Company/First Energy after many years of dedicated service. He was also a past volunteer with the New Brighton Fire Department and a former member of the IBEW and the Eagles.

Among his many interests were American History, particularly the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. His extensive knowledge and love of “Oldies” music was well known to all, as was his passionate support for Notre Dame and Pittsburgh Steelers football. In his earlier years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at his camp in Pigeon, Pennsylvania.

Friends will be received on Thursday, June 5th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

He was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Valley – St. Joseph’s Parish in New Brighton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 6th, at 10 A.M. at St. Felix Church in Freedom. Interment will follow at St. Felix Calvary Cemetery in Freedom.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church, the Humane Society of Beaver County, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.