Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Grand Blanc, Michigan
LIPE, Gary P. – Of Grand Blanc, age 75, died Friday, May 13, 2016 at his residence.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 706 Beach Street, Flint, Father Ronald Scheible officiating.
Burial in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities.
Visitation 3-8 p.m. Monday and 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road.
A Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Lipe will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. Wednesday until the time of the Mass.
Gary was born in Flint, Michigan on April 12, 1941, the son of William Harold and Margaret Angela (Cusack) Lipe.
He graduated from St. Michaels in Flint in 1958. He attended Flint Junior College and St. Benedict’s College (Kansas) for undergrad and Michigan State for Masters, ED.S and PhD.
He married Judy Lee Carney on November 3, 1962 in Flint.
Mr. Lipe worked in education for 44 years as an Elementary Teacher in Flint, Counselor, Coach, Middle School Administrator, Assistant Superintendent for curriculum and Superintendent in Grand Blanc. He remained passionate and involved in education in retirement.
He served on numerous boards and advisory committees, including UM-Flint Dean’s Advisory Board for the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Health Professions and Studies. He was deeply passionate about and served on the board of Catholic Charities in Genesee county among others.
He was a devout catholic, who placed family and friends above all but God, and served as a life coach, sounding board and mentor for many people, including his children and family members.
Surviving are wife, Judy;
children, Mary Ellen (Steve) Hall,
Jeffery (Kelly) Lipe,
Susan (Chuck) SeKrenes,
Patrick Lipe,
Kathleen (Brian) Fox,
Karen Lipe (Gordon Smith),
Daniel and fiancee’ Lindsey Langer;
grandchildren, Andrew, Brian and Alyssa Hall, Morgan, Kelsey and Christopher Lipe, Sam, Max, Libby, Lexie and Sadie SeKrenes, Lincoln and Nolan Fox;
siblings, Terrence (Teresa) Lipe, Kenneth (Mary Beth) Lipe, Edward (Pam) Lipe, Mary (Jim) Allender, Anne Lipe (Robin Cameron), Kevin (Patty) Lipe, Becky (Jimmy) Noffsinger and Rita (Mike) Pando;
in-laws, Joyce Sabuco, Mike (Bonnie) Carney, Mary Swett and Dennis (Cheryl) Carney.
As one of Michigans first Resource Room teachers, Gary and I worked closely together at Perry Jr Hi .He was Assit Prin dealing with discipline. Fast forward 42 years and in my Encore Career, I am a para- pro with SpEd kids.... using much of what I learned from Gary ! Top three: compassion ,patience and always be personally growing! Thanks, Buddy
Mick McLaughlin
May 08, 2020 | Leesburg, FL | Friend
You are thought of, and spoken of often. Our family looked up to you w much respect. Kind, gentle soul. Never forgotten for sure.
Terri kirby
May 13, 2019 | Fenton, MI | Family
I was an 8th grade student at Perry Junior High School during the 1969-1970 school year. Coach Lipe was my basketball coach during that time, and I can honestly say if it wasn't for him, I would not have become the player and most importantly the man I am today. His mentoring, teaching, and passion for his players and students will never be forgotten. I was fortunate to coach girls basketball for 14 years and used many of Coach Lipe's drills and teachings for my players. Coach was a true...
Don Daugherty
September 15, 2018 | BETHANY, OK | Student
I was sorry to hear about Gary's passing. My husband Bob Parsons worked as Gary's business manager at Grand Blanc for many years. Bob passed away with Multipke Sclerosis on Aug 10 2018. He enjoyed working with Gary so much
Barb Parsons
August 21, 2018
Annie, Kevin, Becky, Rita, Mary, dearest family: With tears in my eyes, I just read about Gary and am saddened.Even tho I found out late, I'll be praying for all of you as the days at Stone St. are such fond memories, especially the tree house & St. Mike's. Annie made the move from da Up to Flint easier. Long family chats with Becky and Rita & laughing at football games. Big families always fit one more person into the mix. Our loss and Heaven's gain. Peggy Arntzen Laine Ann Arbor,MI
peggy arntzen-laine
April 27, 2017 | Ann Arbor, MI | Family Friend
Dear Judy & all the family, I am so sorry for your loss last spring. I remember Gary as quite a leader and always having a smile. I just saw this opportunity to leave my sympathy for you and the family. So sorry I could not be there for the funeral as I am unable to travel from Frankfort, Michigan very far. I have been very limited and my mobility has been very limited for 6 years from severe arthritis and degenerate discs in my entire spine. I did talk to Kevin. I do not have Ed...
Cheryl Herrington-Bates
December 24, 2016 | Frankfort, MI
Sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was awesome.
Judy Luke and Family
June 13, 2016
Dear Pat and family,
So very sorry to learn of the loss of your father. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time .
Sincerely, Mary C. Cook ( Dumanois).
Mary Cook
June 08, 2016 | Swartz Creek, MI
I was one of the State's first Resource Room Teachers,having the district wide kids brought to Perry Junior High.Gary was Assistant Principal,mostly dealing with student discipline.Gary was wise,warm,and intuitively guiding to myself,staff and most importantly my students. I left public education and eventually left the Flint area,but we would bump into each other and start talking like we had never parted.His sense of humor and laugh was joyful.God bless his family and thank you for sharing...
Mick McLaughlin
May 24, 2016 | Kalamazoo, MI