SB QST @ ARL $ARLB063
ARLB063 WA2LQQ, SK

ZCZC AG43
QST de W1AW
ARRL Bulletin 63  ARLB063
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT  September 17, 1996
To all radio amateurs

SB QST ARL ARLB063
ARLB063 WA2LQQ, SK

Former AMSAT-NA president and QST columnist and author Vern ''Rip''
Riportella, WA2LQQ, of Warwick, New York, died September 13, 1996,
of an apparent heart attack. He was 52. A former US Air Force
officer, Riportella was the third president of AMSAT-NA and served
from 1984 until 1987, and he's credited with being a prime mover
behind OSCARs 10 and 13. ''Rip'' served for a time as QST's Amateur
Satellite Communications column editor and wrote several articles
for QST on satellites. He also founded the AMSAT Satellite Report
(now the OSCAR Satellite Report).

In more recent years, he was involved in the installation and
upgrading of packet radio equipment aboard the Russian space
station, Mir. Services will be private. His wife, Ellen, survives.
Condolences may be sent in care of the Strong-Basile Memorial
Chapel, 75 Main St, Warwick, NY 10990 or to the family's mailing
address, Box 177, Warwick, NY 10990.
NNNN
/EX