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Robert "Rip" Cipalo
1932 - 2025
BORN
1932
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Cipalo Obituary
Born: December 30, 1932 in Streator, IL
Died: November 2, 2025 in LaSalle, IL
Robert "Rip" Cipalo, 92, of Streator passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the Veteran's Home in LaSalle.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 8, 2025 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Streator. Pastor Brian Moeller officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Streator. Military rites will be performed by the Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492 at the graveside. Pallbearers will be Duncan Secrist, Gabe Secrist, Robert Stansbury, Brian Stansbury, Mike Renner, Michael Renner, and Colin Renner. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 AM Saturday at the church. Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home, Streator have been entrusted with arrangements.
Rip was born December 30, 1932 in Streator, a son of Michael and Anna (Boza) Cipalo. He married Muriel Renner on May 20, 1961 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Streator.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Muriel; three children, Jane (David) Cavanaugh of Streator, IL, Charles (Sheila) Cipalo of Morris, IL, and Lori (Gabe) Secrist of Williamsfield, IL; a grandson, Duncan Secrist; a sister, Gert (the late John) Stansbury of Streator IL; and a sister-in-law, Lois (the late Michael) Cipalo of Dubuque, IA. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son at birth, Michael; a brother, Michael Cipalo; and two sisters, Florence (the late Andrew) Botte and Virginia (the late John) Minneci.
Rip graduated from Streator High School class of 1951 and was inducted into the SHS Hall of Fame for his athletics. He was an avid Chicago Bears Fan.
Rip had served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He was a member of the Streator American Legion Post 217 and VFW Post 1492.
Rip had worked for Owens Illinois until his retirement and had served as past president of the union. He was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Streator.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Veterans' Home in LaSalle, IL.
You can view the obituary and leave condolences for the family at www.hagischultzfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
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Nov
8
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cipalo
Sponsored by Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home.
4 Entries
Larry Sebby
November 5, 2025
Muriel and family, I am so sorry to learn of Rip's passing. He had a long life and was very supportive of Woodland. My first recollection of Woodland was at Northlawn in a junior high game when I first saw Chuck and his team pull out an overtime win after being behind most of the game. I am not sure that Rip was there, but after getting to know who Chuck was, it was not long until I knew his parents. Rip was always positive, and both of you were so supportive of Woodland. People like you made the job easier for all the teachers and administrators. The community has lost a great man. I now live in the suburbs of Kansas City and regret that distance prevents me from being there to express my condolences in person. I will be thinking of your family as you go through the difficult process of adapting to life without this great guy.
william gotch
November 5, 2025
i am so sorry for your husband and father were one of a kind he will be missed
David Tkach
November 4, 2025
Chuck and family, sorry for your loss your dad did alot for the community and Friends.
God Bless
Willy Williamson
November 3, 2025
Rip was such a good guy. Seems he always had a smile on his face and a good hand shake. He never bragged of his athletic achievements. All State in football and a hall of famer at SHS. Rest in peace Rip and my condolences to your family.
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