Obituary of Ralph C. Shivone

Ralph C. "Rip" Shivone of Vineland, formerly of Wilmington, Delaware died peacefully at his home in Vineland, New Jersey on December 29, 2014 from myelofibrosis. He was 64 years old. Rip was born in Wilmington, Delaware on January 17, 1950, son of Ralph C. Shivone and Margaret June Carles Shivone, both of Wilmington. He is preceded in death by his mother June. Rip graduated from Salesianum School in Wilmington in 1968. He obtained a Bachelor's degree from the University of Delaware. Before he retired, Rip was the President of Normative Strategies, Inc. He spent most of his adult life guiding at-risk youth and assisting people from being welfare recipients to work recipients. Professionally, Rip was known as an exemplar mentor for many of the professionals of the Juvenile Justice Commission. He rejuvenated Atlantic Detention Center. He counted his success by the number of juveniles who passed through his programs who are now productive citizens. Rip is survived by his loving wife Jan Giercyk of Vineland, New Jersey; his three children: Daniel Shivone, Erin Shivone and Lauren Fedele; four grandchildren: Kai, Noa, Ryder and Sadie; his sister, Meg Shivone, and brothers: Victor W. Shivone and Francis C. Shivone. His family was his greatest joy. He was a loyal friend of high school buddies to work colleagues, including those from the Ferris School, Glen Mills, Juvenile Justice Commission, Southern Residential Group Center and numerous Job Corp programs. Of special note is the Sallie's "Kourt". Rip loved life and enjoyed it all: music, sports, family, friends, and the beach. He enthusiastically followed the Philadelphia Eagles and horse racing. Rip never failed to recognize his faith in Our Lord and his appreciation for God's grace in his life. May he rest in eternal peace. Visitation will be held at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Avenue, Vineland, New Jersey on Friday, January 2, 2015 from 6pm to 8pm. A Funeral Liturgy will be held at Divine Mercy Parish, St. Francis of Assisi Church, 23 W. Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers and at the wishes of Rip, memorial donations may be made at smiletrain.org or at mpnresearchfoundation.org. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to his doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Pennsylvania Oncology Department, his doctors, nurses and medical professionals in Vineland including Inspira Hospital in Vineland, NJ, and to Holy Redeemer Hospice Care for their kindness and support in his final days.