John B. Stipe, Sr., 89, of Lancaster, died April 23, 2010 at his residence.  A life-long resident of Lancaster, John was the son of the late Leroy N. and Nellie F. (Beach) Stipe.  He was the husband of Frances C. (Shroad) Stipe for 59 years, before her death in 2003.

A 1937 graduate of J.P.McCaskey High School, John attended college for 2 years before serving his country as a Surgical Technician in the US Army Air Force during World War II.  He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant while stationed in Guam during the South Pacific Campaign.

John was a real estate broker and agent, employed by Ira Shenk Real Estate Co. for 4 years.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he served as Eucharistic Minister of the Holy Sacrament, and usher.  John was a 4 ^th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Santa Maria Assembly, a member of Council 867, and Holy Name Society.

John was a life member of VFW 1690 and NARFE #301, and a member of Artisan Order of Mutual Protection #27, BPOE Lodge #1771 Myrtle Beach, SC, 8 ^th Ward Club, American Legion Post 34, AARP, PCBL, and member and past president of Columbia Moose Lodge #307, and was former Scout Master of Troop #16.

John is survived by his children, Ann Marie Stipe of York, Frances C., wife of James D. Hamaker of Lancaster, John B. Stipe Jr., husband of Joan E., of Lancaster, Fred J. Stipe, husband of Diane of Mount Joy, Thomas D. Stipe of Lancaster, David J. Stipe, husband of Michelle, of Lititz, James M. Stipe, husband of Lisa, of Lancaster, 19 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.  In addition to his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy J. Kolb, and brother, Leroy R. Stipe.

Family and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 11 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St., Lancaster, PA 17603 with Rev. Msgr. Thomas Smith as Celebrant.  The family will receive guests from 9:30 until 11 AM at the church.  Interment will take place in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Lancaster in charge of arrangements.  To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com