CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Approximately 3,000 people packed the Jacobs Pavilion in Nautica Wednesday to pay tribute to Cleveland’s beloved undertaker Danny Ripepi.
He was killed in a terrible crash on I-480 last September.
A dump truck driver is accused of raising the rear of the truck while driving.
The truck collided with a highway sign, which fell on impact and landed on Ripepi’s vehicle while driving.
Jason Beard is waiting for his trial.
But that night was more about Ripepi’s life before that fateful day.
“My brother Danny would have been happy,” said Brother Steve. “He would have been proud of what was going on.”
The family held a memorial concert at the popular venue in the Flats. Headlining was the 80s rock group Night Ranger, Danny personal favorite.
“He would always make sure he got one [backstage] over, ”said Steve Ripepi. “He always went back and had a drink with them.”
“It feels good,” said Brother Tony Ripepi. “It lets us know that people value good people.”
Proceeds from the event will be used for four fully trained K-9 dogs for various local law enforcement agencies.
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