John G. (Jack) Kipp

Former Longtime     Resident Was Active Community Member

John G. (Jack) Kipp, Jr, 71 of Southbury, formerly a longtime resident of Newtown, died April 13, following a yearlong illness. Mr Kipp was born August 3, 1934, in Yonkers, N.Y., son of J. Gaston and Jeanne (Smith) Kipp.

Mr Kipp leaves behind three generations of family members, including his former wife and close friend, Anne, of Newtown; their four children, Emily of Newtown, Polly of Madison, John of Keene, N.H., and Peter of Wayland, Mass.; and 11 grandchildren, Richie, Jake, Anna, Hilly, Emma, Katie, Nathalie, Matthew, Jourdan, Andrew, and Ben. Several friends and neighbors who were extremely supportive during his illness, most especially Rebecca Evans of Southbury and Al Messer of Litchfield, will also miss him.

He graduated from Mamaroneck High School in 1952 and received a bachelor of arts degree from Colgate University in 1956, with a major in political science. Following his graduation from college, he entered a management training program at People’s Bank in Bridgeport. A year later, he interrupted his banking career to serve in the US Army for two years, stationed primarily in Germany.

Upon his return from the armed services, Mr Kipp resumed his work with People’s Bank, eventually earning the title of assistant vice president. Over the years, he had several positions at the bank, including manager of three different branches and advertising manager for the entire bank. He opened the Bethel branch of the bank as its first manager in 1978 and remained in that capacity until his retirement in 1987.

Following his retirement, he pursued his lifelong interests in antiques and gardening and kept, for a few years, a booth at the Antique Mart in the Heritage Bazaar in Southbury.

During his years in Newtown, Mr Kipp was extremely active in political, civic, and community affairs. At various times, in some cases for extended periods, he served as chairman of the Republican Town Committee, delegate to the State Republican convention, chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and member of the Legislative Council. He was the first chairman of the fledgling grass roots service organization, Community Action – Newtown. He also played both leading and supporting roles in several productions by the Town Players of Newtown.

A memorial service will be conducted for Mr Kipp on Monday, April 24, at 11 am in the Newtown Meeting House, Main St.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Mikey’s Way Foundation, PO Box 76, Easton CT 06612, or to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford CT 06405.

Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown is in charge of arrangements.

The Newtown Bee        April 21, 2006