Former New Castle mayor, town administrator passes away

The Town of New Castle is sorry to report the death of long-time public servant Steve Rippy on July 31. A New Castle native, Steve was elected to the town’s Board of Trustees in 1986, becoming mayor in 1994. He left office in 2001 after moving to the family home just outside town. Shortly afterward, the council took advantage of his expertise by appointing him town administrator.

During his tenure as a town leader, Steve helped to write a charter and win home rule status for the town, and he was instrumental in annexing and plating both Castle Valley Ranch and Lakota Canyon Ranch. He served as community development director, historical preservation commissioner and planning and zoning commissioner.

Beyond New Castle, Steve worked for 20 years for the Garfield County Assessor’s office and as district manager of the Battlement Mesa Metro District. He was passionate about local history, accumulating a vast collection of historic photographs, including photos of all but two mayors of New Castle since 1888, which now hang in the town’s Council Chambers. He helped administer three Facebook sites devoted to local history and was working on organizing Highland Cemetery records, tracking down information about early burials.

Steve’s historical knowledge was recognized when he was the first to be named local historian at Founders Day, and in 2024 he received the Legacy Award for his lifetime of service. A memorial service was held on Aug. 23, which the Town Council proclaimed Steve Rippy Day.

His obituary in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent records Steve’s reputation beyond public Service.

“Steve will be remembered for his compassion, humility, and unwavering loyalty to friends, family, and community. He had a natural ability to make people laugh, even in difficult moments, and he approached every situation with a calm, steady presence. His kind, gentle nature left a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”