John L. Ribinsky Sr., decorated veteran
John L. Ribinsky Sr., 78, veteran of Vietnam War, respected Merchant Marine captain and resident of Shingletown, Calif., passed away Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, at his home. John was born to Florence and Joseph Ribinsky June 18, 1944, and attended Lewes High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1965. He spent time in Germany, and served two tours in Vietnam as a U.S. Army Special Forces Airborne Ranger and was honorably discharged in 1971. He was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/ 60 Device, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Meritorious Unit Citation.
Following his military service, John then enjoyed a successful career in the U.S. Merchant Marine Service, navigating numerous ports on the East and Gulf coasts, and retiring as a respected captain. During his time off the tug, he was back on land, he also worked as a relief captain of the Delbay, an oil spill recovery vessel operating on the Delaware Bay and River. At 53, health conditions forced his retirement from the U.S. Merchant Marine Service, and he started his own business making wooden country crafts. He was an excellent self-taught woodworker and carpenter for most of his life.
In 2003, he relocated from Delaware to Idaho, where he loved spending time near the lakes and the mountains. He then moved to Northern California in 2015 to be closer to his son and grandchildren out west. John was an avid reader, loved trivia, valued penmanship and enjoyed painting. He belonged to the following affiliations: DAV, Nor Cal Veteran’s Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, 75th Airborne Ranger Association, Fort Miles Historical Association and NRA.
He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Ribinsky; and his mother Florence Ribinsky. He is survived by his children, Cynthia Ribinsky Owen of Lewes, and John and Diana Ribinsky Jr. of Shingletown, Calif. He leaves behind six grandchildren, Brooke Rodriguez, Paige Wright, Devin Owen, Braden Owen, all of Delaware, and Jake Thrasher and Zachary Ribinsky of California. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Ribinsky; his wife, Sandy, and their family of Millsboro.
John will be honored in Delaware and in California. A memorial service and luncheon will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, at American Legion Post 28, Millsboro. A service with full military honors will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Jan. 23, at Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, Calif. Both services are open to the public.
