Joseph Lipko

Joseph Lipko, 99, of Middletown, New York, passed away peacefully while in the loving care of his son, Aaron, on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Aaron's home in Moore Township, PA. He was the husband of the late Stella R. (Roucken) Lipko to whom he was married 51 years before her passing in 2001.

Born in Forest City, PA, Susquehanna County, Mr. Lipko was a son of the late Joseph and Helen (Niemic) Lipko. He was a graduate of Forest City High School, class of 1943, and later attended Orange County Community College where he graduated in 1970 earning an Associate degree in Science. Following his graduation from high school, Mr. Lipko, at the age of 18, joined the United States Navy and proudly served for 2 1/2 years in the amphibious forces during World War II, which included 1 1/2 years in the Pacific Theatre, and he was present at The Battle of Okinawa with the U.S. Fleet that sailed in for the surrender of Japan. Upon his discharge in 1946, he joined the Naval Reserves. In September of 1950, Mr. Lipko was recalled to active duty for 1 1/2 years during the Korean War. It was during this time of service that he married Stella (Roucken) also from Forest City, in November of 1950.

Immediately concluding his honorable military service, Mr. Lipko returned to Forest City and began his employment with Ames Mfg. Co. Four years later, he and his wife moved to Middletown, NY, to pursue a career with the Middletown Psychiatric Center, which successfully spanned 27 years before his retirement in 1983.

Extremely talented and unlimited in his quest for knowledge, Mr. Lipko attended school to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Additionally, he trained to become a projectionist and stagehand, eventually working at local theaters and at West Point Military Academy showing movies and supporting stage performances. A successful career in the theater led to Mr. Lipko serving a 6-year term as President of the IATSE (The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians) Local 311, Middletown and Newburgh, NY.

Proud of his home and the community of Middletown, Mr. Lipko was the last living charter member of the Silver Lake Fire Company, which was established in 1963.

Survivors: He will be dearly missed by his daughter, Helene Russell and husband, Charles, who provided for his care when living in Middletown, NY; son, Aaron Lipko and wife, Carol, Moore Township; nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Stella, he was predeceased by a brother, Thomas Lipko; and two sisters, Pearl Mathes and Violet O'Brian.

Services: A Graveside Service with Military Honors is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Arrangements and cremation care are under the direction of the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, INC., in the Village of Moorestown - Bath. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at: bensingfuneralhome.net.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to a veteran's organization of your preference.