Richard V. Zipay

Richard (Dick) Zipay, 87, of Whitney Point passed away peacefully on October
29th at South Buffalo Mercy Hospital, his wife and daughter at his side. Dick is survived by his wife of 60+ years Mona (Zopp), his daughter Juli, and granddaughters Camille (Clint) Setty and Juliet Malloy. Dick’s first great grandchild is expected in December. He is also survived by his brother Milan’s children, his brother Bob’s children and their families, long time friend Bob Stevens, and next door neighbor and friend Hilda Corson. He also leaves behind his wife’s family, of whom he was very fond. Dick was predeceased by his parents Mike and Betty Zipay and brothers Milan and Bob. The final months of Dick’s life were spent in the loving care of Michele and Ron Comstock of Comstock House along with caregivers Cheryl, Julie, and Cindy, and new friends from the “Club” at the Hamburg Senior Center. Dick attended Whitney Point High School and Ridley Lowell School of Business. He was a proud veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Honorably discharged in 1960, Dick became a member of the Whitney Point American Legion and a member of the Nimmonsburg United Methodist Church.Permanently disabled at age 33 from a serious construction accident, Dick adapted. He never gave in to his disability. He never accepted defeat from any of the challenges life handed him. Known for his twinkling blue eyes and deep dimples that caught the attention of all he came in contact with, Dick never lost his sense of humor or his warm smile as he faced his life’s greatest challenge: Alzheimer’s disease. A loving husband to high school sweetheart Mona Zopp, their marriage spanned over six decades. Dick was also a caring and devoted dad to only child Juli who, in his eyes, could do no wrong. This love extended to his two granddaughters Camille and Juliet. They called him Papa, a name that stayed with him for the remainder of his life. Dick was also a loyal fan of the NY Giants, NASCAR racing, and Ford trucks. We would like to thank the 5th floor nurses and aides at Mercy Hospital for their care. Their kindness and compassion during the final two weeks of Papa’s life will forever be remembered with gratitude. A quiet, unobtrusive man, Papa will be laid to rest the way he lived, with quiet dignity. A Graveside Burial with full military honors will be held at high noon  on November 5, 2019 at the Riverhurst Cemetery in Endwell, NY. If you are unable to attend the graveside service, please join us for a luncheon to celebrate Papa’s life, held at 1 pm following his burial at the Riverdale Banquet Hall located at 2901 Watson Blvd. in Endwell, NY, 13760. In memory of Dick and in lieu of flowers or memorials, we ask you to simply remember him.
Until we meet again, Papa. Rest in peace.

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