Gerry Hipps

1940 - 2025

Gerry Hipps
11/05/1940 - 07/19/2025
Gerry Hipps passed away peacefully on July19, 2025, in Sonoma, California. He was 84.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Gerry enjoyed growing up in the tightknit Avenues of the Outer Sunset with his beloved parents, Manny and Sissy, and older brother Bob. Gerry's strong Catholic faith was shaped by his time at Holy Name School, Riordan High School, and a brief stint at St. Patrick's Seminary before he discovered his true calling when he met a beautiful Mercy San Francisco girl, Carolyn Sorriva, and "fell in love with her voice and smile." Together, they built a remarkable life, beginning in Westlake with their two daughters Theresa and Stephanie, then settling in Burlingame for the next 40 years where they added "the three J's"-Jeff, Joe and Jill. Between Gerry's gregarious personality and his five kids running around Balboa Way, the Hipps family became a familiar presence in the neighborhood and at their parish, Our Lady of Angels.
Later in life, Gerry and Carolyn found some much needed peace and quiet when they moved to Sonoma. There, together with their cherished daughter Ter, the three lived out the rest of their days. New Sonoma friends meant a fresh captive audience to listen to Gerry's stories, have a glass of brandy, engage in political debates, and enjoy all the charm that was Gerry Hipps.
In addition to his love of family, Gerry took immense pride in his career as a Labor Union Leader in the Bay Area for over 35 years. Gerry poured his heart and soul into his work, representing hotel and hospital workers, fighting for social justice, and giving a voice to the unrepresented. He was always ready for a heated negotiation or strike – as the stories go. But ultimately, nothing mattered more to Gerry than being a dedicated and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, as well as caretaker to countless loved ones who went before him.
Gerry is now undoubtedly happily reunited with Carolyn and Ter. He leaves behind a family who will forever carry his spirit and the joy of retelling his tales: his children, Stephanie Maza (Steve), Jeff Hipps (Sharon), Joe Hipps (Kati), and Jill Murphy (Steve), and his nine adored grandchildren-Marc and Mike Maza; Jane, Cooper, and Molly Carolyn Hipps; Olivia and Elsie Murphy; and Jackson and William Hipps.
While the loss of Gerry is unfathomable, his children will continue to carry his legacy forward. Dad, thank you for all of your humor, insights, compassion, support, and above all, unwavering strength. We'll miss you.
A funeral will be held for Gerry on Friday, August 1 at Our Lady of Angels Church in Burlingame, CA at 11 AM.