John Frank Chippi Jr., 81 years old. Born May 1, 1942, Died July 4, 2023. Predeceased by his daughter, Deborah Lynn Chippi, mother MaryJane (Towns) Shipley, sister Kathy (Chippi) Cleaver, nephew Eddie Cleaver, niece Kella (Cleaver) Sleeman, brother George Chippi and nephew David Chippi. Survived by Diane (Brackney) Chippi, his wife of 60 years, daughter Barbara Lynn Chippi, daughter in law Laura (Pratt) Chippi, son John Frank Chippi III, daughter in law Teresa (Puzzonia) Chippi, Aunt Ruthie (Towns) Peterson and sister in law Dolly Brackney. Grandchildren Amanda (Kujawa) Strobl, Shawn Kujawa, Gina Chippi and John Chippi IV. Great grandchildren Nolan and Kylan Strobl. Nieces JoAnn and Valerie Chippi, Jenni (Salminen) Smith, Jamie (Norton) Lancaster, Darci (Brackney) McLennan and Kelly (Brackney) Malmgren.
John’s early career was as Computer Systems Analyst then his dream job of Charter boat Captain of the Rockin’-n-Reelin’ and marina owner of Tamarac Sportfishing Docks in Ludington.
John lived in Sterling Hts, Ludington and Clinton Twp.
John was a wonderful husband, father, uncle, grandpa, great grandpa and friend. He was an excellent provider and loved having his family around. Fishing was his passion and became his and Diane’s business when they bought Tamarac Sportfishing Docks in Ludington from his mother, MaryJane Shipley in 1984. John was the Captain of his boat, the Rockin’-n-Reelin. His boat caught MANY salmon, lake trout and chinook out of Lake Michigan. He truly loved fishing and chartering.
It’s quite ironic that John left us on July 4th, one of his favorite holidays, because it often combined fishing and watching the fireworks on the boat with his beloved family.
His grandchildren, great grandchildren and all children loved him because he was a kid at heart. John was a fun loving soul. He liked his beer and loved telling jokes.
John loved to travel. Two early extended vacations included going out East from Maine to Washington D.C. and out West to Wyoming, North Dakota and camping at Yellowstone. John and Diane spent many years traveling South between Florida, Brownsville, TX and Mississippi. He truly had a great life and will be missed by so many.
We will always love you!! Miss you so much! Until we meet again….
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He lived and loved life on his terms! What an amazing and incredible life. I will miss my Uncle John dearly. Remembering all the fun I had as a kid going to the Thanksgiving and Christmas parties. All the BBQs and backyard parties … Just always fun. Living in NYC for so many years I missed a lot but was able to get to spend time and reconnect with him and my Aunt over these last 8 years – truly a blessing. Family is everything. Until we meet again Uncle John rest easy….. Well done, well done 😇 Love you.
Love & sympathy to you Diane & all of your family!
Living 3 blocks from you for years, we spent many days in your pool on hot summer days. Remembering the times Barb and I would spend a weekend night on the boat at the marina, the wine you and Diane would make from scratch in the basement, (yum), playing games in the family room, going through pictures, etc. Such cherished memories. I still look at the Hartwell house when passing by. God speed John. Much love to Diane, Barb, John and the rest of the family during this time and beyond.