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JOSEPH CIPOLARI Obituary


CIPOLARI JOSEPH RAMON CIPOLARI August 31, 1923 ~ January 23, 2014 Joseph Ramon Cipolari, born August 31, 1923 in Washington, DC. Born and raised on Van Ness Street just off Wisconsin Ave., NW, he was a true native of Washington, DC.. His parents, Joseph and Alice Cipolari (ne Dale), provided him with a happy childhood. Along with his Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents he enjoyed trips to the farms of relatives and the joys of the city. In 1943, he joined the Army and was deployed to Europe. Trained in Casa Blanca, North Africa and later his division was among the first to land on the beaches in the South of France just outside Nice. He was stationed in Italy, France, Portugal, England and even Germany near the war's end. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for wounds received during his tenure. Upon his return to the States after the war, he completed his High School Education and received his GED. After the war he worked for the United States Government first identifying the fallen through dental records and later was assigned duties keeping track of the government's use of petroleum at the temporary government offices in S.E. Washington. In 1957, he was the primary motivator to convince his life partner of 50 years, Edward C. Plyler, a graduate of The Parson's School of Design to leave the firm of Don MacAfee, a well established designer in Washington and start their own design company. He and Edward opened "Edward C. Plyler & Associates, Inc." on Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Soon many of DC's elite discovered the shop, loved what they saw and were enamored with the owners. They took on assignments for Jackie Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy decorating their Georgetown and Hickory Hill homes. Many top notch assignments followed including: Complete remodeling of the Metropolitan Men's Club, D.C., offices of Paul Mellon, and a host of dignitaries in D.C. as well as corporate jobs in New York City such as Champion Paper & Fiber Co. In 1965 they purchased a large period house (The Edmond Jennings Lee home) in Alexandria, VA from former Senator Correll and operated their Design Studio from that location. Now opening a whole new chapter that the elegant period homes Old Town Alexandria had to offer, they became known as the doynes of Traditional Design in the DC area. Prior to the Washington Design Center in DC, Edward C. Plyler & Associates, Inc. housed the area's largest selection of quality fabrics, including a large selection of Scalamandre Silks, and many of the prominent D.C. Designers made appointments to bring their wealthy clients to select fabrics for their homes and offices. On one occasion former First Lady, Ladybird Johnson (escorted by secret service agents) was entertained for Tea with her designer while selecting fabrics for her home. Visiting the great house at 428 N. Washington St. in Old Town, was not only a treat, but an honor to sit in the drawing room with its wonderful collection of antiques and fine arts, and the hosts were true southern gentlemen with their warm and welcoming charm. Joseph Cipolari lived a long and wonderful life, experiencing Washington from the dawn of its rapid changes after the War to the hustle and bustle of the ever changing modern Metropolitan Area it is today. There are no immediate survivors, but he leaves a host of wonderful friends. He will be missed by his friends, and there will be many remembrances for the colorful and interesting stories he was so famous for telling at parties and gatherings. Viewing at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA, Thursday: January 30, 6 to 8 p.m. Graveside burial, Ivy Hill Cemetery, January 31, 11 a.m.Viewing at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA, Thursday: January 30, 6 to 8 p.m. Graveside burial, Ivy Hill Cemetery, January 31, 11 a.m.

Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 30, 2014.
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4 Entries

What a fascinating life. I wish I got to know him.

Jean Strong

February 28, 2014

I just found out Joseph was my 1st cousin, once removed. I wish I would have met him in person. Sounds like he was quite a wonderful guy.

Teresa Strong

February 27, 2014

May the peace of God be with you as you struggle with your loss. He will be missed by all.

January 30, 2014

Joseph was my cousin. I only met him a few times but I always heard wonderful stories of his life from my mother.
may in rest in peace. dan

daniel cipolari

January 30, 2014

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