The Founder

When Julius S. Rippel was 30 years old, he proposed to Fannie Estelle Traphagen of Newark, New Jersey, his former Sunday School teacher. Julius and Fannie lived simply, in contrast to many other wealthy New Jersey families.

Fannie is best remembered for her volunteer work for aged women at local hospitals and nursing homes. Among her more important charities was the Society for the Relief of Respectable Aged Women, where Fannie served as president from 1929 to 1936. Fannie died on February 5, 1943, more than 7 years before her husband. His love and respect for Fannie is evident in Julius’ decision to create and name a foundation in her honor.

While Fannie is remembered in the naming of the Foundation, Julius should be remembered for his generosity, innovative spirit, tenacity, and foresight. Although his Will was contested for three years, it was secured due to his careful planning. Ultimately, true to his vision, the Fannie E. Rippel Foundation was incorporated in April, 1953.

Julius S. Rippel was born in Newark, New Jersey, on September 21, 1868. He was one of six children born in a family that had come to America from Bavaria following the political disturbances of 1848 in Germany. Julius’ father settled in Newark where he ran a woolen goods store. After Julius was orphaned at age five, he was raised by his four older sisters. Although he never finished grammar school, he eventually attended Coleman’s Business College.

Julius began his career with Graham and Company, stockbrokers and steamship agents, in 1887. When he was 23 years old, in 1891, he founded J.S. Rippel and Company, specializing in local investment securities and in New Jersey municipal bonds. Through their preeminence in the municipal bond market, J.S. Rippel and Company eventually financed most of the important cities and towns in New Jersey. By the mid 1920’s, his net worth was estimated at $40 million – almost all of which was lost in the Great Depression of 1929.

Julius was a determined man. After the Depression, he set out to remake his fortune. Although he was known by some as a contentious character, Julius was also a man of firm convictions. He exerted important influence on the affairs of New Jersey and the region. Many honors were conferred upon him and he served on numerous boards. When he was elected president of the New Jersey Bankers Association in 1933, he assumed official leadership of his profession in the State. As a strong believer in the promise of an America unfettered by governmental intervention, he vigorously defended sound banking principles and the traditional American governmental and economic system.

Julius remained active as the head of his firm to the day he died in December 1950. At age 82, Julius’ wealth climbed to nearly $25 million, significant though somewhat short of his goal. The mandate to create the Fannie E. Rippel Foundation only became known after his death. In fact, the Will creating this Foundation was drafted only eight months before he died. Today, the portfolio of investments for the Fannie E. Rippel Foundation has more than met his goal.