Victor Z. Lumper

Teacher, Chemist, Beloved By Family And Friends

Victor Z. Lumper, 89, of Newtown, died unexpectedly at his home, May 13. He was a cancer survivor.

He was born in Union, Ore., November 25, 1920, son of Ida (Greenwood) and John Harry Lumper.

He received his undergraduate degree from UCLA in zoology and his master’s degree from Yale in education. He was a decorated lieutenant in the US Navy and served as a pilot in World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars. When in the Navy, he also served as an instructor for NROTC and while stationed in Newport, R.I., he taught at Officer’s Candidate School.

Mr Lumper moved to Darien in 1960 and taught at Darien High School until 1992, when he retired from teaching. He lived in Darien for more than 20 years, with his wife, Doris Higgins, and raised his family there. He also worked at PMS, Inc as a chemist for many years.

He later moved to Newtown, where he lived for more than 20 years.

He loved spending time in his yard, tending to his garden, his animals, and his bees. He was an avid reader, always trying to improve his own knowledge. He also enjoyed country western and ballroom dancing. He was a great dancer. He enjoyed telling interesting stories to his friends and neighbors about his life experiences. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Two daughters, Deborah Ide, and her husband, Stephen, of Norton, Mass., and Linda Sisman, and her husband, Warren, Jr (Tad), of Olive Branch, Miss.; his sister, Roberta Jean Lumper in Spokane, Wash.; four grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and Marjorie Costa, his longtime companion, survive Mr Lumper.

A future date will be set for immediate family to celebrate his life.

Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City OK 73123-1718 or at cancer.org; or to a favorite charity of one’s choice.

The Newtown Bee        May 28, 2010