SB SAT @ AMSAT  $ANS-260.01
VERN RIPORTELLA, WA2LQQ, SK

HR SPECIAL AMSAT NEWS SERVICE BULLETIN 260.01 FROM AMSAT HQ
SILVER SPRING, MD September 16, 1996
TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS BT
BID: $ANS-260.01


It was learned today that Vern Riportella, WA2LQQ, the third
president of AMSAT-NA, died suddenly but peacefully on Friday,
September 13, at his home in Warwick, New York.  "Rip" was 53
years of age; the cause of death was reported to be a heart
attack.

A former officer in the U.S. Air Force, "Rip" became active in
AMSAT affairs in the late 1970s, rising to the position of
Executive Vice President.  He was elected President in 1984,
serving until 1988.  "Rip" tirelessly worked to create our
present high-altitude transponder satellites.  Without his
unceasing devotion to fundraising, organizing, recruiting and the
general encouragement of all concerned, AMSAT-OSCAR 10 (launched
in 1983) and AMSAT-OSCAR 13 (launched in 1988) might never have
become realities.  He also revitalized The AMSAT Journal and
created a new publication, AMSAT Satellite Report (which later
became a commercial publication called OSCAR Satellite Report,
not directly associated with AMSAT).  Rip began the AMSAT News
Service and wrote most of the ANS material for several years. 
WA2LQQ was very active in AMSAT HF nets and ran the East Coast 75
meter net for a few years.  He was also one of the earliest to
try Narrow Band Voice Modulation and held regular skeds using the
technique.  One of those he convinced to try NBVM was current
AMSAT-NA President Bill Tynan W3XO.  Bill commented that Rip was
forever trying something new and always with great gusto.  He was
devoted to the concept of hams in space and was instrumental in
helping to convince NASA that Owen Garriot W5LFL should be
allowed to operate from the Shuttle.  Bill notes that, as AMSAT-
NA President, Rip created the post of Vice President for Manned
Space Programs and appointed Bill to fill it.

Rip officiated as President at the 1987 AMSAT Annual Meeting in
Detroit at which the Microsat concept was introduced.  He
enthusiastically embraced the concept and helped make it happen
with encouragement and fundraising efforts.

Following the conclusion of his active days in AMSAT affairs,
"Rip" turned his attention to non-amateur space projects, one of
which was to become VITASAT.  With the end of the Cold War, he
did much to build bridges between Amateur Radio satellite
enthusiasts in the West and their Russian colleagues.  He kept
actively informed about AMSAT affairs, helping out wherever he
could (e.g., in the installation and upgrading of packet radio
equipment aboard MIR).

AMSAT-NA President Bill Tynan commented that Rip was always very
enthusiastic in whatever project he took on.  Many of the AMSAT
activities we take for granted today, were begun by Rip.  He left
a significant positive mark on the amateur space community, Bill
concluded. 

Ray Soifer, W2RS, AMSAT-NA's International Vice President said
"the entire international Amateur Radio satellite community mourn
Vern Riportella's loss.  His enthusiastic spirit, needed now more
than ever, will sorely be missed.  I, myself, have lost a good
friend."  

ANS is informed that funeral services will be private, but that 
expressions of sympathy may be sent to his wife, Ellen
Riportella, in care of the Strong-Basile Memorial Chapel, 75 Main
Street, Warwick, NY  10990, USA, or to their mailing address,
P.O. Box 177, Warwick, NY  10990, USA.

In a separate message to Ron Broadbent G3AAJ Secretary of AMSAT-
UK, W2RS said that he can think of no more fitting memorial for
Rip than to have his name and callsign fly on Phase 3-D. 
Accordingly, he is sponsoring Rip as one of those listed on the
AMSAT-UK "Names in Space" plaque which will be affixed to the
satellite. 

ANS thanks  Ray Soifer, W2RS and Martha Saragovitz for
information used in the preparation of this special bulletin.

/EX