Fred L. Cipriano Sr.

Fred L. Cipriano Sr. passed away peacefully Friday, October 9, 2009, at his home at Westminster Canterbury in Charlottesville.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ida (Edie) Cipriano, with whom he celebrated 66 years of marriage in February, 2009.

He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 15, 1915, son of Michael and Mary Cipriano. He was the eldest son of 10 children; brothers, Joseph, Edward and Michael; sisters, Elizabeth Cipriano, Catherine Relf, Florence Amore, Vera Brobson and Maria Haggerty; and surviving sister, Anna Acquaviva.

Following graduation from South Philadelphia High School for boys, he attended several years of college at Drexel Institute of Technology. He was also serving in the Pennsylvania National Guard on summer maneuvers when he was federally activated for one year which was later extended indefinitely until 1942 at age 23, he joined the United States Army and was quickly promoted to the senior enlisted ranks. With the onset of World War II, he graduated from Officer Candidate School and served overseas as a Company commander in the 103rd Engineers, part of the 28th Infantry, throughout their participation in the Normandy campaign as well as in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. His company played a prominent role in the Battle of the Bulge, stopping the German advance into Belgium. Twice returned to combat after being wounded, he led his unit in the emancipation of several French towns and villages and in the release and repatriation of prisoners of war and displaced persons in Central Europe.

After the war he moved his family to Longport, New Jersey and joined his family's home construction business, which built a number of single homes in the south Jersey shore region. He was recalled to active duty in the Pennsylvania National Guard as a reserve officer during the Korean Conflict.

In 1957 he relocated the family to Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania and established his own construction company. Over the next 35 years he built a number of custom homes and completed many upscale remodeling projects. His reputation for perfection in workmanship and ethical treatment of his customers kept his business booked well in advance - with never a need for advertising.

In the rare occasions when he took time off from his business he enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. His favorite sporting activities were deer hunting in the Pocono mountains and geese hunting on the Maryland Eastern Shore.

He is survived by one son, Fred L. Cipriano Jr. and his wife, Lynda, of Queenstown, Maryland; and two daughters, Bobbi Cipriano and her life partner, Lu Callahan, of Liberty, Missouri, and Pam Cipriano and her husband, Ron Turner, of Charlottesville; as well as three grandchildren, Rachel Cipriano, Megan Turner and Lydia Turner.

He was interred at Valley Forge Memorial Gardens in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Westminster Canterbury Catered Living and Health Care, Nurse Practitioner Windy Forch, and Dr. Mark E. Williams for their caring, love, and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boys Town, 300 Flanagan Blvd. P.O. Box 7000, Boys Town, NE 68010.

Friends may sign the guest register at teaguefuneralhome.com


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.