Obituary of Eugene J. Tippie

Eugene (Gene) J. Tippie, passed away at home, with his family by his side on Monday, October 14, 2013. Gene fought a courageous battle against cancer. This was an all-encompassing fight at the end of life fought with grace, dignity and a touch of humor. Gene was born on May 12, 1935, in Wapakoneta, Ohio, a son of the late Cloida & Clara (Seitz) Tippie. In Rome, on November 26, 1966, he married Nancy L. Newman, whom he met during their employment at the former Rome Air Development Center. Gene was an Electrical Engineer, holding a bachelor's degree from Ohio University, and completed numerous technical courses in radar and signal processing. He retired from Rome Laboratory as Chief of the Land Based Radar Branch, after 35 years of service. He later was employed as a Senior Systems Engineer by the former Sensis Corporation, Syracuse NY, and most recently Stieftvater Consultants. His technical skills were major contributions on multi-disciplined programs such as the Tactical Air Control System Improvement program. Gene was assigned to the International Export Control DOD Advisory Committee, and was a member of the Joint Director of Laboratories Surface Based Radar and Counter Anti-Radiation Missiles panels, and his radar expertise was often sought. He traveled extensively during his career, both in the US and Europe, but always was happiest when he returned to his home in Camroden. He considered his family his greatest success, and especially cherished time spent with his Son and daughter-in-law and his so dearly loved Grandchildren. In earlier years, Gene enjoyed bowling in the Griffiss Monday night league as well as a Wednesday night coed league. He also enjoyed hunting, and time spent at Brill's camp. During golf season, Tuesday nights found him with the Griffiss Pastime Golf League for at least the past 45 years. His joy of golf, he passed on to his Grandsons as soon as they were old enough to grip a club. He enjoyed gardening, and most everyone he knew had sampled his home grown tomatoes or the sauce reaped from them. Gene's impact is felt deeply by those whose life he helped to shape. His life is defined by an uncompromising love and support for family and friends, hard work and pride in the product of that work, and lastly a passion for the game of golf and a love for the competition and the friendships that he attained from this sport. He is survived by his Wife, Nancy, and his Son, Dr.Tracy and wife Dr. Kimberly Tippie, Yarmouth, Maine and three grandchildren; Alec, Noah and Sophia Tippie. He is survived by several Nieces and Nephews, Brothers-in-Law, Ronald Newman, Kenneth Shoffstall and Art Kenny, and numerous friends. He was predeceased by his Brother, Donald and sister-in-law Mel of CA; his sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Chartley Struble , his sister Mary Jane Shoffstall and sister Wilma Kenny, of OH, and in-laws Ray and Pearl Newman, Rome. The family wishes to express their gratitude to friends and family for their unwavering support and prayers, and to all of the Hospice staff; especially Nurse Ed. The funeral will be held Thursday at 11:00 AM at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Interment will be in Wright Settlement Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Wednesday 4 to 7 PM Please consider donations to the Floyd Fire Department or Hospice & Palliative Care of Oneida, Herkimer and Eastern Madison Counties, in Gene's memory.