Richard “Dick” Lipinsky, 85; “ a huge believer in fairness”
Obituary Richard 'Dick' Lipinsky, Husband of One, Father to Three, Grandfather to 6, Brother to 4, Friend, Coach and Mentor to hundreds more, died on Tuesday, July 20th at the age of 85.
Dick was born on October 20th, 1935 in Woodstock, Illinois to John and Helen Lipinsky. He grew up in Union, Illinois with his 3 Brothers and 1 Sister. On July 23rd, 1958 he graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He went on to a 27 year career in Sales and Sales Management that took him and his family to New York, Boston, Maryland, Montreal, Canada, and then back to McHenry County where they settled in Algonquin, IL in 1976 and stayed there until the end. Throughout his Sales and Sales Management Career, Dick was an honest and fair boss who valued integrity and hard work- the lifelong friends he made of former employees and customers is a testament to that. In 1985 at the age of 50, Dick started a second career as a Financial Planner. In a field dominated by people decades younger than him, Dick used his work ethic, honesty, and integrity to build a thriving practice that he ran until he sold it in 2007.
In August 1962 in the Three Bears Bar in Westport Connecticut, Dick was approached by a beautiful Swedish woman. Never lacking confidence, Dick was certain that she was about to come on to him. Luckily, his confidence was misplaced and instead that woman wanted to set Dick up with her friend. In July 1962 Dick went out on a blind date with an even more beautiful and amazing Swedish women, Elaine Lundh. Elaine was not impressed with Dick and found him to be a typical 'Pushy American'. But Dick was smitten, and he called her every week until Elaine relented to a second date in early September. They spent a weekend in Connecticut where Elaine met Dick's friends and decided to give him a chance. From that point on, for the next 59 years, they were 'Hot and Heavy', as Elaine would often say. On January 18th, 1963 Dick made what he for the rest of his days called the best decision of his life and married Elaine. In each other they had found partners and best friends for life. Dick and Elaine together experienced the birth of 3 sons and 6 Grandchildren.
From his very earliest days back in Union Dick exhibited what some might call a mischievous streak. Pranks, feats of daring, and always a fan of (mostly) good natured teasing- his Mother Helen gave him the nickname 'Poison'- which to those who know Dick makes not just a little amount of sense. Dick retained this mischievous and teasing streak throughout his life. He suffered no fools, and all 3 of his daughter in laws were prepped for their first meeting with a version of 'if he starts making fun of you, it's him letting you know he likes you'. But his teasing was loving and done with a laughing glint in his eye. Whether it was because he had survived being shot with a shotgun when he was 10 and falling off a silo when he was 19 (an accident that left him with a metal elbow that he used both to amaze grandchildren with and to his physical advantage in pickup basketball games), or just because he understood that life is precious- Dick always had an infectious passion for life. He loved being an enthusiastic dancer with Elaine at any wedding. He loved competition- playing basketball into his 50's and Golf until the very end. He loved the Bears, the Bulls, and the White Sox.
Dick was a huge believer in fairness and was always looking to help those that needed a hand up. Whether it was being the first Sales Manger to hire Women into a Sales Role, neighborhood kids who needed support, or most of all his own kids and grandchildren, Dick was always willing to coach, mentor, and give advice.
Dick is survived by wife Elaine, siblings Ronald, Raymond and Mary (Lipinsky) Foster, sons John (Linda), Joe (Mary), Jason (Catherine) and his 6 adored grandchildren. A celebration of life will take place on a future date.
Herbert “Herb” Kemp III, 54; Devoted Father, Staples Class of 1985
Obituary Herbert (Herb) Kemp, III, MSM, aged 54, of Hamden, Connecticut died suddenly on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 in Hamden after a brief illness.
A devoted son, brother, husband, father, and uncle, Herb lived a quiet, generous life with wife, Felice Gray Kemp, and their son, Evan James Kemp by his side at most times; particularly during the COVID quarantine they shared from March 2019 until Herb's passing.
Born May 8, 1967 in New York, New York to Herbert Kemp, Jr. and Dolores Cruse Kemp, Herb was raised in Westport, Connecticut along with his younger sister, Courtney Anne Kemp. The bond that Herb and Courtney shared was beyond that of a typical brother and sister. He taught her a great many things such as how to read and ride a bicycle. He encouraged her in all of her endeavors and was, his whole life, one of her greatest supporters. After graduating from Staples High School in 1985, he attended Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Government and History in 1989. In his senior year, Herb was honored twice, receiving the Hamilton College Campus Leadership Award, and the Procter & Gamble Campus Service Award for his work as a student government leader. The latter was a precursor to his joining Procter & Gamble in their Sales Executive Training Program after graduation. In 2003, Herb earned a Master of Science degree in Business Management from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut. Following a successful career as a sales and account leader for several consumer product companies including Procter & Gamble, Ciba-Geigy, Dupont Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Pepsi Bottling Company, Herb's strong desire to have a career based on purpose and public service led him to shift his professional focus.
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Always engrossed with politics and a lifelong member Democratic Party, he considered running for Congress. Ultimately, he found his calling in the nonprofit world, spending over nine years as the District and Field Director for the Boy Scouts of America Connecticut Yankee Council, followed by service as the Director of Membership Recruitment for the Girl Scouts of Connecticut. Herb's truest purpose was found and expressed in his love of his family and friends.
In June 1989, Brooke Perry introduced her childhood friend Herb to her new friend from college. Her name was Felice Gray. "Honestly, I never thought of myself getting married to anyone ever," said Felice. "And then this handsome, soulful, dedicated man came into my life. I fell hard and at first sight, and knew he was--and would always be--the love of my life." They were engaged a few weeks later. Herb, in his typical self-effacing way--never acknowledging how much he changed Felice's life, would often say "I scooped her up right away!" He never saw himself as the gift he was to others. Herb and Felice married on July 11, 1992, renewed their vows five years to the day, and had plans to celebrate their upcoming thirtieth (30) anniversary next year with family and friends at their original wedding location, Yale University's Battell Chapel, and then revisit their honeymoon location. "We will still meet on July 11, 2022 in Bermuda, but to honor and share in our love for Herb and tell stories of the joy he brought into our lives." At 7:11 a.m. and p.m., either or all three Kemps were known to shout "seven eleven!" in honor of that date. Felice and Evan carry on the tradition.
Despite his intense dislike of needles and doctor's visits, Herb was an enthusiastic partner to Felice during IVF, providing her with the injections she needed during the treatment. When their son, Evan, was born in 2009, Herb was a natural, taking to fatherhood immediately. He was a proud "helicopter dad," and even more proud when taking on primary caregiver responsibilities in his final months. When it came to Evan, Herb was a nurturer and always, "loved him up," ready with a hug, a kiss, or a gentle pinch. Evan calls him, "the best Daddy ever." With their family complete, Herb, Felice, and Evan always considered themselves each other's soulmates and best friends. Although Herb was a very private person, anyone who got to know him experienced firsthand his quick wit and hilarious nature, booming laugh, along with the care, love, kindness, and support he showed to everyone who entered his world. Yet, far from a push-over, Herb had a stubborn streak … He and Felice, similar in that regard, lived by a family rule that if one person was strongly against a thing, he or she could convince the other to their view or the action didn't happen. They rarely disagreed on things that mattered.
Herb was an avid fan of Prince and Reggie Jackson. For Herb's last birthday, Herb received a personal birthday message from Mr. Jackson. Herb's face lit up when he heard it….The approximate time of Herb's death-approximately 4:44pm EST--was especially significant, as 44 was Herb's favorite number because it was Reggie Jackson's retired New York Yankees jersey number. "Herb was a true blessing, to me and to everyone who knew him. It was a privilege and joy to walk this world beside him for nearly 32 years," said Felice. He gave great advice, was an excellent mentor, friend, loved to entertain. He was a gourmand and had an encyclopedic knowledge of government and history. He loved the arts, played the drums and was an excellent singer.
Herb is survived by his wife Felice Gray-Kemp, son Evan James Kemp both of Hamden, Connecticut, his mother Dolores Cruse Kemp, sister Courtney Anne Kemp and niece Charlotte Agboh (each of Los Angeles, CA), his mother-in-law Joan Gray-Dildy and a large extended family across the United States. Arrangements are as follows:
**Given COVID, and the risk to the unvaccinated and those with underlying conditions, the family is requesting that everyone wear masks, bring proof of vaccination and have taken and cleared a COVID test within the past week. ?Visitation Friday, August 6, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm EST: Howard K. Hill Funeral Services 1287 Chapel Street New Haven, CT 06511 (203) 624-4477 hkhfuneralservices.com Saturday, from 8:00 am to 9:00 am EST: Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church 782 Orchard St, New Haven, CT 06511 Phone: (203) 787-3393 ?Funeral Services from 9:00 am to 10:15 am EST: Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church 782 Orchard St, New Haven, CT 06511 Phone: (203) 787-3393 Livestream for the Funeral Service will be on Saturday, August 7, from 8:00 am – 10:15 am. To access the livestream service, please visit, https://vimeo.com/ event/1179485/23b8d7bb2d Given COVID concerns, there will be no reception following the Interment. The family will not be receiving visitors after the service. ?Interment immediately after the Funeral Services Saturday at Beaverdale Memorial Park 90 Pine Rock Ave, New Haven, CT 06515 (203) 387-6601 Should you decide to send flowers (for which the family is grateful), please send them to Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, New Haven by Friday August 06, 2021 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a memorial donation to either Hamilton College Please select "Friend" and, when you designate the contribution, please select "Other" and select Herbert Kemp III, Class of 1989 "In Memoriam" h
Susan Mills, 91; Gardener, Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club Member
Susan (Sue) Hartzell Mills of Ft. Myers Florida passed away on July 10, 2021 she was 91. Sue was born on June 28, 1930 in New Rochelle, NY. She was the daughter of the late Lehne Hartzell and Helen Hall Hartzell.
Sue and her late husband, Robert J. Mills moved to Wilton in 1953 where the Mills and Mills Insurance Agency was established.
Sue was very active in the schools where her four children attended, The Wilton Garden Club, Community Ambassador and the Wilton Congregational Church. Sue enjoyed being with her family and boating on Long Island Sound and was a active member of the Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club.
Sue and her late husband retired to Ft. Myers Florida for over 25 years enjoying a rich life filled with boating, travel, golf and her love of the theatre.
Sue is survived by four children, Jill, Lynn, Bob and Martha, 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. A small family celebration will be held to honor her life . The family would like to thank Hope Hospice of Ft Myers, Florida for their devotion to Sue during her short stay.
Joan Bowser, 78; Staples Class of 1966, Proud Women’s Health Advocate
Joan was born in West Virginia to Calvin and Maxine Hinkle on June 28th, 1948. The family moved to Westport, CT in the late 50's.
She graduated Staples High School in 1966. She went on to study nursing at the Evanston/Chicago Hospital and received her RN. She also studied at Boston College/Hospital and earned her APRN. She worked in the Hartford, CT area for a prominent OB/GYN Doctors Practice. She did a short stint at Walter Reed Hospital in the 1990's. Missing CT she returned to the Glastonbury area and start a long career with Planned Parenthood.
Joan was a very adventurous person loving to travel, to sail and spend time in the BVI's and Florida. her favorite home was in Old Saybrook, CT on Main St. overlooking the Connecticut River. She was a very passionate woman, a hard worker, community active, a Women's Health Advocate, a wonderful wife, Mother and Grandmother.
She is survived by two daughters, four grandchildren, one great granddaughter, her best friend and husband Carroll and her proud new Bichon puppy, Sugar. She will be laid to rest in the Greens Farms Cemetery in Westport, CT. in the Family burial plot along side her Mother and Father. She passed away on June 7th, 2021 in Venice Florida.