Ronald "Butch" Nepote

Ronald “Butch” Nepote, 80, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2023 in Modesto.  Butch was born on June 6, 1942 to parents Leo and Mary Nepote in Modesto.  Butch was a lifelong resident of Ripon.  Growing up he loved to go mushrooming with his Italian grandfather, Nonno who never shared the exact location of his always productive secret spot for filling the bucket.

Butch retired as a life member of Ripon Fire Department after 30 plus years of volunteer service at Station 2.  Besides fire service, Butch was also a farmer.  He loved life on the tractor farming almonds, grapes and walnuts.  It was his life as a farmer that allowed him to be the provider and family man he always wanted to be.  He was home every day for lunch and would take his boys with him when he could to work on the ranch.  He had a beautiful vegetable garden that would feed his family along with anything he could bring home after hunting and fishing.  His greatest joy were his children and grandchildren.  He was so very proud of all of them and wouldn’t miss a sporting event or special occasion. 

Butch will be remembered for his insatiable curiosity for everything.  He loved collecting things, never stopping at just one.  He had an extensive collection of Spinning Tops and other antique toys.  He participated in exhibits at McHenry Museum, Micke Grove Museum and the Haggin Museum in Stockton.  He enjoyed traveling to toy shows, especially to the Glendale Toy Show.  Butch was a charter member of W.H.E.A.T – refurbishing old gas engines and putting them on display at Stanislaus County Fair.  He was also a Model A Ford enthusiast, an avid reader (completing several books a month) and an amateur radio operator (ham) licensed as K6UJG from the age of 12, especially interested in Morse Code.  He loved Flea Markets and finding treasures at Estate Sales.   Butch lived a full life surrounded by many that loved him.

Butch leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Claudia Nepote, his children: Laura Gillespie, Michael Nepote, Audra Nepote and Jamie Nepote, his grandchildren: Megan Camarena, Ashley Goldsberry, Connor Nepote, Tyler Nepote, Joshua Nepote, Madalyn Alves, Vivienne Nepote and Kyle Nepote, along with 3 great grandkids.  Butch also leaves behind his siblings, Connie Nepote and Steven Nepote (Joyce).

Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Nepote family.  A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 1st at 11:00 AM at The Ripon Fire Station 2; 18800 Murphy Road in Ripon.  Donations in Butch’s memory may be made to Ripon Fire, Valley Children’s Hospital or Ripon Arts League.