Thomas Sippel

SIPPEL, Thomas

Thomas O'Donnell Sippel died unexpectedly on May 8, 2025, in Alpharetta, GA, at the age of 54. Tom was born on January 28, 1971, to John and Helen Sippel in Wiesbaden, Germany, while his father was stationed in Cairo, Egypt. His early childhood was spent in Cairo, London, and California before the family settled in the Washington, DC, area. Tom was a high school athlete and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He received a B.A. from the University of Georgia and a J.D. from Mercer University School of Law. At the time of his death, Tom was a partner of MGC Law, where he led the Atlanta practice. Prior to joining the firm, he was the managing attorney for the Georgia and Tennessee legal offices of The Hartford Insurance Group. Tom was named for his maternal grandfather, who served on the New York State Supreme Court.

Tom lived a full and happy life. In 2002 he married Lisa Borden, and they had twin daughters, Mary and Ellen. He was warm, kind, funny, and a gifted storyteller. He truly enjoyed practicing law and was a keen political observer. He loved the Georgia Bulldogs, golf, gardening, the beach, fireworks, and his many dogs. Above all, he loved his family and was deeply proud of his daughters.

Tom is survived by his wife, Lisa Borden Sippel; his daughters, Mary and Ellen Sippel; his parents, John and Helen Sippel; his sisters, Catherine Sippel, Elizabeth Opsahl (Brian Opsahl), and Anne Sippel (Karim Hedaya); his brother-in-law, Brian Borden (Stephanie); nieces and nephews, Alex, Catherine and Maggie Opsahl, Leila and Youssef Hedaya, and Will Borden; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends and family will hold a private celebration of Tom's life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Atlanta Humane Society or the University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band.