Richard Lee Gipe

GIPE RICHARD LEE GIPE (Age 82) Of Fort Washington, Maryland went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 15, 2011 at the Fort Washington Medical Center. Born on December 1, 1928 in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, he was the only son of Clarence Andrew and Nellie Hassler Gipe. Richard was the last surviving sibling, preceded in death by Maralee Gipe Rook, Thelma Gipe Ruskin and Edna Gipe Eshelman. He was a member of the Reformed Church of Mercersburg. He was the devoted husband of Kathryn Lillian Angle Gipe and loving father of Carol Ann Gipe Buchanan and Timothy Brian Gipe. Richard and Kathryn were blessed with 59 years of marriage. He was also the proud and loving grandfather of Andrew Richard Gipe, Anthony Alexander Gipe and Rebecca Lynn Gipe. Richard grew up in Mercersburg living in the family home at 31 West California Street. He attended the Mercersburg Academy - Class of 1994 - then the Woodward School in Washington, DC and later Penn State University while finally graduating from the American University with a BS degree in Chemistry. Richard and his wife Kathryn relocated to Washington, DC in 1955. He spent his 43 year career working at the Naval Research Laboratory and was renowed for chemical breakthroughs in flame retardants associated with aircraft safety. He was heavily engaged in the Boy Scouts of America and managed to hike the entire Chesapeake & Ohio canal (twice). He also found time in the 1960's to build the family beach house (from a Sears blueprint kit) virtually by himself and maintained an extensive, vintage Lionel train collection. He particularly enjoyed trips with his wife and family. More recently, Richard enjoyed attending his grandkids sporting events as well as watching professional tennis, baseball and classic movies. Viewing will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20 at the Lininger/Fries Funeral Home, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. Burial service will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, at the Welsh Run Church of the Brethren in Welsh Run, Pennsylvania.