Obituaries

Kenneth R. “Ken” Zipko, 60

March 30, 2017

Kenneth R. “Ken” Zipko, 60, of Lititz, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Lancaster General Hospital.
Born in Dover, NJ, he was the husband of Dawn (Miller) Zipko of Lititz, with whom he would have celebrated his 38th wedding anniversary on April 22. He was the son of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Suckey) Zipko.
Ken was a 1974 graduate of Morris Catholic High School, Denville, NJ, and a 1978 graduate of Bloomsburg University where he was an All-Conference football player.
Ken started his professional career at Armstrong Industries, where he worked for 18 years. He was then a sub-contractor for the Department of Defense, employed as a Senior Cyber Security Analyst for Cinteot, Inc. This position allowed him to visit many parts of the world and fulfilled his love of travel.
He was immensely proud of his children and loved to be connected to his many friends and family. A kind and witty man who loved to make others laugh, he loved baseball, especially the NY Yankees. In his younger years, he excelled as an athlete, participating in wrestling, football, and both playing and coaching baseball.
He was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Lititz.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by 3 children: Paul Zipko of Phoenixville, and Breanne and Adam Zipko, both of Lititz; 4 brothers: John, Joe, Tom, and Ray Zipko; a number of nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews; and his family’s beloved dog Reggie. He was preceded in death by a sister, JoAnn Ruggeri.
Graveside services will be private. Memorial Services will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at Church of the Apostles UCC, 1850 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, PA.
Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions in Ken’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603. This organization was special to Ken; he participated in their Heart Walk every year.

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Condolences to the Family

July 20, 2017

Dawn and family,  I’m sorry sorry to hear of your loss.  Ken was a fraternity brother at Bloomsburg and someone I always looked up to.  He friended me on Facebook and we followed your son with college baseball.  Ken was very proud and enjoyed watching the games.  We shared alot and I will miss him.  May God be with you.
Respectfully,  Al & Stacey Oussoren
Gettysburg, PA

April 28, 2017

Sorry for your loss
Knew Ken from Bloomsburg
We had a lot of good times way back when in various sports activities at School
our prayers and thoughts are with your family
Joy and Paul McCabe

April 20, 2017

Dawn and family, Please accept our deepest condolences at the loss of Ken.  As a teammate and a friend while at BSC, there was none greater.  He was an inspiration in his dedication and all the hard work he did both on the football field and off the football field.  We were so blessed to have known him, and to have even the limited interaction after we all went our separate ways following graduation was a great blessing.  He will be missed, and may God’s peace comfort you and your family  Jim and Kathy Blockus

April 11, 2017

Dawn and family,
Cindy and I just heard about Kens passing. We are truly and sincerely shocked and so saddened by this news. We will always remember our evenings at “card” functions and remember what a great couple you and Ken were. Always charming, always welcoming, always friendly. 
‘We are just so sorry that we heard this news so late Dawn. Please know that you will always be in our thoughts and we re always only a call away if we can do anything…even in Denver. Co. 
Ric and Cindy McCullough
 

April 09, 2017

Dear Dawn & family,
It is with much sadness of hearing of the passing of Ken.  May your family find peace & comfort in this time of need.  Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.  God Bless.  Ed & Diane Schmidt

April 07, 2017

Dear Dawn, Paul, Breanne and Adam,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Ken’s sudden passing.  Ken was a wonderful husband and father.  We will cherish our times from Noble Street.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ken will forever be in our hearts.  God Bless,
Wade and Nancy Hall

April 05, 2017

To Dawn and family,
I can’t express enough how sorry I am for your loss.  I got to know Ken some 20+ yrs ago.  Over the years he became a wonderful friend and confidant.  He shared with me many stories and events of his life in Lititz.  I could always tell he had a smile on his face when he spoke of his children….He was so proud!  I could always count on Ken to cheer me up if i  was in a bad mood.  He was so funny!  He was there to console me when rmy rmother died in 1997, and then again when my daughter died in 2013, and countless times in-between. Although he never met them,he spoke of them as if he did.  God Bless your entire family!
I will miss my friend!
Jamie Brauer

April 05, 2017

Dear Dawn and Family,
We were saddened to hear of Ken’s sudden passing.  May you and your family receive much comfort from Our Lord.  We are with you always in spirit – as many have told us as we grieve the loss of Don’s Dad several weeks ago.  God bless all of you and keep you in His care.
Sincerely,
Cindy and Don Dorwart

April 04, 2017

Dear Zipko Family,
Ken was such a kind person and a gentle soul.    I am so sorry for your loss.    I will keep you in my family’s thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Paul Inverso Sr. and Family

April 03, 2017

Dear Zipko Family,
Our deepest sympathy on th loss of Ken. 
The Mollahan Family

April 03, 2017

Dawn and family,
Condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Mike Macenka and family

April 03, 2017

Please accept my condolences on the passing of Ken. It was an honor to have known such a great person and I will truly miss working with him. May God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Gary Collins
 

April 02, 2017

May the love of family and friends give you courage and strength. May peace find a foothold and stay with you as you navigate life with Ken in a new, less visible place. May the loving arms of God the Father embrace you and keep you.  Pray for all and wishing God’s peace upon you.
Margaret (Kowalski) Shillingford  – Class of 1974

April 02, 2017

A great part of Bloomsbury life and beyond. What a charming friend and college mate. My heart is broken for his family and friends.
Ed Hauck, BSC, 1978

April 02, 2017

Please accept my sympathies to you
And your family on your loss of Ken.
Robyn Alspach
 

April 02, 2017

Dawn, Paul, Breanne and Adam, Maria and I are so sorry for your loss. Words cannot describe how we feel in losing someone so close to us over the last 43 years. Ken was a humble, funny, caring friend, who was a big part of our life. He loved you all dearly and wil be missed by everyone. Like each of you, Ken will stay in our hearts forever. He will be remain a big part of “our BSC group” until we all reunite with him again. We love you all, and will always be here for you. 
Love,
John and Maria Cannon     

April 02, 2017

Dawn and family,
We’re praying for Ken and for you all and sending you our thoughts of love and support. I am so sorry.
Lisa (Yacomelli, MCHS, Class of ’74)

April 02, 2017

To Ken’s Family and Friends.  God Bless and watch over all of you while going through your loss.  Ken will be sadly missed.  Ken is such a good friend and team mate.  We have spent many years traveling together.  Ken was always one to make my day whether it be at work or after work at the lounge or at dinner.  Ken’s smile and sense of humor will alway be rememored.  Prayers, Butch Rhodes…..

April 01, 2017

Dear Dawn, Paul, Breanne and Adam,
My heart is broken for the loss of your beloved. Ken was a very kind, decent, loving person. He loved you all very much. I am honored to have been his friend. We were all blessed to have shared in his life. His love of family, faith, music, sports, friends, and Lititz just bubbled out of him. His temperament was endearing. We spoke often about cardiac impairments and his fight to keep heart beating.
I wish God had let Ken stay here with us. How I have several unfinished words with friends games pending with him. The last word he played was ‘punt’. Going forward, every time I hear that word I think of him. He is in Gods loving arms and will be forever in our hearts. I’m praying for you all at this very sad time. 
Fondly, Diane Jastram

April 01, 2017

Ken was one of the people you meet later in life that will change your life forever. He will be sorely missed and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know him and Dawn.  Rest easy friend, and I will cheer for the Yankees–double time!❤⚾️

April 01, 2017

Ken and I connected when he saw that my daughter had went to bloomsburg university. He was such a kind and funny FB friend. When I saw his death notice I was soo saddened and shocked. He is with God now and will forever be in peace.  I will miss him…..Karen law Mckenna 

April 01, 2017

Some people come into our lives and touch our hearts forever.  Ken was one of those individuals.  As part of the Bloomsburg family, Ken was not only a friend, but like a brother to many.  Especially, the 4th floor, Montour Hall gang, where he and Dawn met, and fell in love.   I was fortunate that we’ve kept in touch throughout the years.  Ken excelled in everything he did.  He was a loving and proud husband, father, brother, family member, coworker, and friend to all!  This is way too soon, and he will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched.  My thoughts and prayers are with Dawn, Paul, Breanne, Adam, family members, and friends.  Rest in Peace, my dear friend, and may Perpetual Light shine upon you.  Life won’t be the same without you in it!  However, Heaven just gained an angel!  “Tears are the crystals that reflect the many fond memories.”
Diane O’Rourke-Bankus & Family

April 01, 2017

Our neighborhood will never be the same. I will forever be looking for Ken to come home from his latest work venture and tease that he was somewhere warm while we froze!  Love you guys….hugs! Know that we are always a call away or steps away for anything you need. Dave and Jodi

April 01, 2017

We were heartbroken over the passing of ken. We will miss him and think of him often. Love Fred and jean 

April 01, 2017

Dawn and family, 
We we’re so shocked by this news.  Please know that you are all in our prayers.   May God give you comfort during this difficult time.  
Steve and Anita Blankenmyer an family.

April 01, 2017

So very sorry to hear about Ken. We spent many a day watching and supporting our young sons on the soccer sidelines while chatting about how fast the kids are growing up. Ken was a loving father and husband and will be missed.   Prayers of comfort and peace to you all.  Sincerely, Colleen, Phil, and the Heckman boys. 
 

April 01, 2017

I knew Ken when we all went to Sacred Heart School in Dover, played sports against him in HS, i always wished he went to Dover, he connected with my brother Kevin later on in his life, We lost Kevin last Febuary 29th. I hope Ken and Kevin can finnally met, The Touhey Family is so sorry for your lose,, Dennis Touhey

April 01, 2017

Dawn, I was so sorry to hear of your loss.  May God give you strength and courage at this time in your life.  My prayers and condolence are with you and your family.
Betty McCall (Cousin)

April 01, 2017

Ken was a good friend and coworker for many years. He will be truly missed by all. My condolences go out to his family in this time of sorrow. 

April 01, 2017

More than a teammate. A friend. Condolences to the entire family.    Walt Savitts  ’78
 

April 01, 2017

Ken will always be remembered for his contagious smile and laugh.  Always showed kindness to all and enjoyed very much working with Ken.  My sincere condolences to his closest family and all who will surely miss him.  May you cherish the wonderful memories made and keep them forever.  ❤ 
Tony Wivell

April 01, 2017

The Arehart family sends our love and condolences.
 
 

April 01, 2017

Dear family and friends of Ken:
I had the pleasure of going to Morris Catholic the same time as Ken.  He was always a very kind, gentleman in every respect.  A number of years back, I had a meeting here in Columbus at an Airport hotel and Ken was in town for business.  For the hour before my meeting started, Ken and I sat in the lobby and talked about our families and where we had been and what we had done since HS.  He was so proud and his face just lit up talking about all of you.  Prayers for you going forward.  Rest in Heaven Ken.  Soooooo many will miss your presence, but we have the certainty we will see you again!  Barb Hyde Thompson 1976

April 01, 2017

He will never be forgotten by his Bloomsburg Family in general or me specifically!! At one point he had jammed almost all my fingers trying to catch his passes at Bloom. He will forever hold a fond place in my heart. There is no doubt that he with the Heavenly Father! Peace and Blessings to his Family! from his friend and classmate at Bloomsburg Barry E. Staton

April 01, 2017

Ken was our friend, teammate and roommate who will be in our hearts forever. RIP our friend. 

April 01, 2017

God Speed Ken. 

April 01, 2017

A man liked by all, admired by all and loved by all. Most importantly, RESPECTED BY ALL. We will surely miss our beloved Morris Catholic classmate. He was the “glue” that kept us together and we will all honor his memory by sticking together always!
Bill Healey, MCHS Class of 1974

April 01, 2017

I was lucky enough to be on the same 5 person team with Ken when I started my career at Armstrong. Ken was so kind to me, and we became friends. I met Dawn, and they were one of the nicest couples – a perfect match! Ken organized CO-Ed flag football on Sundays. What fun we had! We both left Armstrong and I left the area. We reconnected when our sons baseball teams played each other 20 some years later. Ken and Dawn were exactly the same. I met them at another game a few years later to watch their son play and met their daughter. What a great family. You are truly one of the good guys !! RIP my friend. 
With much sympathy,
Dawn DeLise McCormick 

April 01, 2017

Dawn & family,
We are so sorry for your loss.  Ken was a kind loving man.  May God give you comfort during this difficult time.  
Keith & Ruth Ann Gaskill

April 01, 2017

Dawn and family,
Our hearts were very saddened to see Ken’s passing in the newspaper this morning. Words really cannot express how shocked we were, how sorry we are, and how much we are thinking of, and praying for, all of you.
Although we have not seen you and Ken for many years, you will always hold a special place in our hearts from those early, fun Armstrong years. Ken was a quiet, gentle man with an easy smile and a twinkle in his eyes. 
Please know how much we care.
Sincerely,
Donna and Bruce Russell

April 01, 2017

Dear Dawn ,Breanne ,Adam and Paul , so sorry for your loss , just heart broken , He was truly a kind and wonderful man! Got to know him at Morris Catholic , My oldest brother was his football coach , One of the true great men that I had the privilege to get to know …He was so proud of his family ,and loved all of you very much , His memory and love will shine through all of us ,who had the honor of knowing him .Deepest sympathy to all of you ….God bless , Donna D’Ottavio Scarnulis 

April 01, 2017

Really enjoyed working with and traveling with Ken.  He will surely be missed!
 
-Josh Grove

April 01, 2017

I had the pleasure to work with Ken over the years. He was always a hard working, professional, and good person.  My sincere condolences to his family, I’m sure he will be greatly missed. 

April 01, 2017

I have nothing but great memories of the years we were neighbors. I always admired the husband and father he was to his family. My sincere condolences. 
Mayra Overly 

April 01, 2017

I am saddened by Ken’s passing.  We never met in person but through facebook and we found out all that we had in common. Not only were we both from Dover, but we both went to Morris Catholic and Ken went to school with my youngest brother.  Ken was always fun to have a conversation with on facebook.  I will miss him and his great humor. My sincere condolences to Ken’s family.  
Rita Nazzaro Osborne

April 01, 2017

The Chapis Family sends their condolences and sympathy.  So sorry for your loss.

April 01, 2017

Dear, dear Ken –
Oh how we will miss you and our special times together in Georgia. I am so thankful we had a chance to get together at Bev and Dave’s just a few short months ago. You were more than a cousin-in-law to us – you were as much family to us as a “real” cousin. It was evident how important family was to you, as you never missed an opportunity to keep in touch whenever yout traveled South.
To Dawn and the kids – My heart is breaking for you. Words cannot express the love and compassion we all are feeling for you during this difficult time. I know you have a strong faith in God that will get you through. Please know I am here for you, and I certainly understand how hard it is to lose a spouse. Sending you many hugs and prayers.  Lynn

April 01, 2017

Such a Wonderful man and an incredible loss…our condolences to the Zipko family…thinking of you all with love and prayer.. RIP Ken 
Brian and Paula Gage ❤

Services
Saturday, April 15, 2017
3:00 PM
Church of the Apostles UCC
1850 Marietta Ave.
Lancaster, PA
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