Joseph Cippel, Sr.
CIPPEL - Joseph Andrew Cippel, Sr, 86, of Ford City passed away on October 18, 2018 at his residence.
He was born July 19 1932, a son of Joseph John and Frances (Meixelberger) Cippel.
Joe began his employment at Klingensmith’s at the age of 12. He continued to work for J. Henry Klingensmith (Kling) throughout high school. After graduating from Ford City High School, in 1950, Joe earned his B.S. degree in Pharmacy from the University of Pittsburgh. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and did his tour of duty, 1956-58, initially at Fort Lewis, Washington and in Korea. He returned home to work for Kling.
He married his loving wife, Janet Mechling on April 18, 1959.
Kling sold his store in Ford City to Joe in 1972. After taking over ownership of Klingensmith’s, Joe continued to expand the business. He purchased a pharmacy in Leechburg in 1974, attaching the Klingensmith’s name. Currently there are eight locations serving the surrounding communities.
Joe was also very active in other business dealings in the area. He started a durable medical equipment company as well as a long-term care pharmacy. In 1967, he was a founding member of the Lenape Heights Development Corporation. His leadership lead the expansion project of the clubhouse and back nine of the golf course.
He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Value Drug Company (Altoona, PA) in 1981, where he served for 34 years until his retirement in 2015.
He received the following recognitions; Ford City Area Hall of Fame – 1986 and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Distinguished Alumnus Award – 1988.
Joe was an active member of Christ Prince of Peace Parish.
He was a role model to numerous pharmacy students and entrepreneurial pharmacists throughout his career. He took pride in employing hundreds of local residents.
He cherished the winter months and summer vacations with his family at his home in Moss Creek (Hilton Head, South Carolina). He enjoyed golfing with his sons, grandsons and friends.
Joe loved all Pittsburgh Sports. He was a season ticket holder for Pitt Football, The Steelers, and The Penguins. He attended Pirate World Series Games in 60, 71 and 79. He traveled to Miami to see The Steelers win Superbowl X.
Joe never forgot his humble boyhood, losing his father at age 10 and growing up with his mother on 6th Avenue in Ford City. His outgoing nature and sense of humor enabled him to mentor and inspire many young people, as well as foster true, lifelong friendships with countless others.
Joe is survived by: his wife: Janet; his daughter: Colleen Cippel; sons: David (Lisa) Cippel and Joseph Jr MD (Paula) Cippel all of Ford City; grandchildren: Steven, Matthew, Joseph III, Charles, Adam, and Emma all of Ford City; cousin Monsignor John Cippel of Florida.
He was proceeded in death by his parents: John J Cippel and Frances Cippel; and granddaughter: Anna Katherine Cippel.
Visitation will be from 4-9PM on both Saturday and Sunday, October 20-21, 2018 at the Mantini Funeral Home in Ford City. A prayer service will be held Monday, October 22, 2018 at 9:30 AM at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10AM at Christ, Prince of Peace Parish with Monsignor John Cippel, officiating. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
The family requests that donations be made to the Divine Redeemer School in Ford City.