Ralph Matthias Stipp
June 25, 2004
Ralph Matthias Stipp, 84, a lifelong Scranton resident, died Friday morning at the Mountain View Care Center, where he was a resident. He and his wife, the former Dorothy Goetz, celebrated their 55th anniversary April 9.
Born June 12, 1920, in Scranton, only son of the late Matthias and Charlotte Schneider Stipp, he was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School and attended St. Thomas College and the Penn State extension.
He was a member of the Hickory Street Presbyterian Church. A Navy veteran of World War II, he served as a Seabee with distinction in Africa, the Panama Canal and Hawaii. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the European Area Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal.
He was a member of the American Legion Maj. Edward J. Poch Post 948, South Scranton, the Willow Indians and PARSE. He was prominent in South Scranton for his volunteer work with the youth as a baseball coach at South Scranton Little League, and with the Boy Scouts of America as a Cubmaster and Scoutmaster of Pack and Troop 5, chartered to the Trinity United Church of Christ, where he also served on the church council.
He was employed by several Scranton companies. Prior to his retirement in 1982, he worked for 22 years as a construction inspector for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
A loving husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid bowler and fisherman in his younger days. An avid reader and fan of the Oakland Raiders, he most enjoyed watching his grandsons participate in sporting events. His love of the ocean and boats will always be remembered.
Also surviving are two sons, David, Scranton, and Allan, East Brady; a daughter, Ellen Chase, Scranton; six grandsons; and a great-grandson.
The funeral will be Monday at 11 a.m. in the Miller Bean Funeral Home Inc., 436 Cedar Ave., with services by the Rev. Tom H. Collins, pastor, Hickory Street Presbyterian Church. Interment, Dunmore Cemetery.
Friends may call Sunday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hickory Street Presbyterian Church, 435 Hickory St., Scranton, 18505; or the Mountain View Care Center, 2309 Stafford Ave., Scranton, 18505.