Replace memory in a 1st generation iPad

Wow! They took it apart and ripped out the Flash chips and then gave you a dead system.

Are you sure thats what they did? Not sure if its worth repairing Vs getting a new one at this point.

I doubt they physically removed the memory, the chips are soldered onto the board and they would have to open up the iPad to get at them.

They may have wiped the memory which could leave the iPad in an unusable state, but you can connect it to a computer running iTunes and reinstall iOS from there (use the "restore" button).

Failing that you can try putting the iPad into DFU mode to force a firmware update. To do this plug the iPad into iTunes, then press and hold the power and home buttons. After 10 seconds release the power button, then after another 5 seconds release the home button. iTunes should pop up a message saying it has detected a device in recovery mode and allow you to reinstall iOS from there.