Michael Kenneth Lippi

1960 - 2023

Michael Kenneth Lippi
August 16, 1960 - October 22, 2023
Michael Kenneth Lippi of San Mateo, California, passed away surrounded by his family on October 22nd. Michael (Mikie) is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Richard and Rita, and brother, Fred. He is survived by his sisters Diane, Joanne and her husband, Dave Lesesne, brothers Don and his wife, Joanne, David and his wife, Vandana, his sister-in-law Monica, nieces Stefanie and her husband, Tyler Buxton, Kristin and her husband Ryan Miller, Gabriela and her husband, Danny Crosetti, nephews, Ryan and Dominic, and grandnieces, Emerson and Carter.
Mikie was born with Down Syndrome during a time when there was little support for families in this situation. Our parents rejected the Doctor's suggestion of institutionalizing him and brought him to our loving home in Daly City, alongside his other brothers and sisters and a large extended family. Mikie was able to take advantage of new county and government programs which allowed him to attend special schools and work programs. Through these years he made many friends, participated in several local Special Olympics, and even flew to the Los Angeles Special Olympics with his team to compete in the volleyball and track events.
He grew up in Daly City, where there were lots of children on every block. Mikie was a fixture in the neighborhood, and he could be seen happily riding his Big Wheel trike for hours. The neighborhood children eventually accepted him, and our neighbors watched out for him.
At home, our parents treated Mikie the same as the rest of their children. To us, his siblings, he was our brother Mikie, and participated in our games as best he could, or we adjusted our games to accommodate him. The same was true for our extended family; Mikie was doted on by his grandmothers, aunts, and uncles, and played with his cousins.
He was a lifelong sports fan of all the San Francisco teams, but his all-time favorite activity was watching WWE wrestling. He could do that for hours. He had his favorite wrestlers (John Cena) and villains and collected their t-shirts and action figures.
Mikie was special in so many ways. He shared his unconditional love with everyone. He was kind, compassionate and had a genuine ability to connect with others. He had an infectious smile and a positive outlook on life. He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and his ability to entertain us with his singing, imitations, and being a general jokester.
In 2020, Mikie was diagnosed with Alzheimer's which challenged him beyond his Downs. He demonstrated continued resilience as his Alzheimer's progressed and gracefully accepted the additional support needed to do his everyday activities.
While Mikie had a difficult time with his communication, he was always very aware of situations, and especially people's feelings. He could make you feel much better in times of stress and sadness with a simple "You alright?" When you would look in his eyes and see his concern, you would feel better and say, "Yes Buddy, I'm alright." Mikie, we will miss you immensely, but we will be "alright."
Family and friends may visit from 4pm to 8pm Thursday, November 2nd at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave. in Daly City where a Rosary will begin at 6pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Friday, November 3rd at St. Gabriel Church, 2559 40th Ave. in San Francisco. Mikie will be laid to rest with his beloved parents in a private ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date.
Please consider a donation in Mikie's memory to:
Special Olympics - https://support.specialolympics.org/a/give-in-your-state
AbilityPath - https://abilitypath.org/
Mission Hospice - https://www.missionhospice.org/
Mills-Peninsula Hospital -https://www.sutterhealth.org/mills/giving