Born in Watertown, New York, Bruce was a lifelong “River Rat” of the Thousand Islands, where he cultivated his love for boating, safety, and SCUBA diving.
Bruce’s academic journey began at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1968. It was during his undergraduate years where he met his beloved wife, Sandra McGuire. His academic pursuits continued at the University of Arizona, where he received his Master of Arts in 1970, and at Case Western Reserve University, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1973.
Dr. Rippeteau’s career was marked by significant achievements and contributions. He authored numerous articles, papers, and books, including “Testing Contemporaneity and Averaging Radiocarbon Dates” and “A Colorado Book of the Dead.” Initially he served as an associate professor in the Archaeology Department at the State University of New York.
In the mid-1970s, Bruce became the first State Archaeologist of Colorado, where he collaborated with the Colorado Historical Society to protect and document important archaeological sites. He also founded the National Association of State Archaeologists and served as Secretary of the Society for American Archaeology.
In 1984, Bruce moved his family to Columbia, South Carolina, where he served as the Director of the University of South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology until 2002. As the South Carolina State Archaeologist, he led groundbreaking projects, including the conservation of the H.L. Hunley Historic Confederate Submarine, research on the Spanish Colonial Capitol of Santa Elena, and establishing the Cooper River Underwater Heritage trail.
Bruce was a passionate community servant, co-founding the Celebrate Freedom Foundation in 1997 and serving as its president. He was also involved with the Rotary Club of Columbia, where he was recognized for his leadership and communication skills and served as president in 2002. His dedication to public service and preserving history earned him recognition from the South Carolina General Assembly in 2011.
During his retirement he devoted significant time and support to the University of Nebraska’s Department of Anthropology. He and his wife endowed a Prize for Great Plains Archaeology and Paleontology. An adventurer at heart, Bruce was a licensed airplane pilot and ham radio operator. He was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Explorers Club, Greater Piedmont Chapter. He received the Inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award from UNL.
Dr. Rippeteau is survived by his wife Sandra, his children Astrid (Stephen Brueckner) and Lucius (Erika Rippeteau), grandchildren Isaac and Lily. Also, brother Darrel Jr. (Judy Rippeteau), sister Jane (Kevin Heffron), brother-in-law Michael (Jo McGuire), and many nieces and nephews. His contributions to archaeology, education, and community service will be remembered and celebrated by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the UNL Foundation to support the Department of Anthropology in Bruce’s memory.
A celebration of his life will be held October 10, 2024 at 4:00 pm at Roper & Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive in Lincoln, NE and during the summer of 2025 in the Thousand Islands where friends and family can gather to honor his remarkable journey and lasting impact. Condolences may be sent to the family at BruceRipp2024@gmail.com.