Major Henry J. ‘Chip’ Cipolla

ESCANABA — Major Henry J. “Chip” Cipolla of Escanaba passed away Tuesday morning, January 2, 2024, at his home following a lengthy illness.

He was born on May 25, 1938 in Providence, R.I., the son of Enrico and Anna (Cipriano) Cipolla.

Chip graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in Providence in 1955 and graduated Cum Laude from Tidewater College in Virginia Beach, Va. in 1974.

Chip proudly served as an Avionics Officer in the United States Marine Corps. His courage, leadership abilities and expertise in avionics, earned him the respect of his commanding officers, air crews and pilots. During his four tours of duty in Vietnam and time in service, Chip earned two Bronze Stars, three Air Medals, Three Navy Commendations with Combat V, Vietnam Service Medals with 14 Battle ribbons and three Combat Air Crew Wings. In 1959, Chip was selected as a member of the elite Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) serving presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson. In 1964 Chip was awarded the Presidential Certificate of Honorable Service for his time serving on HMX-1 in support of the White House.

On June 9, 1973, Chip married Mary Kay Reynolds at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at the Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, Va. After 23 years of service, Chip honorably retired and they settled in Escanaba. He was employed by MFC First National Bank retiring in 1990 as Assistant Vice President. He served as Director of CUPPAD’s Small Business Center and then as Slot Shift Supervisor at the Island Resort and Casino.

Chip enjoyed golfing and fishing, but his real joy was sailing and iceboating. He held several positions at the Escanaba Yacht Club including a term as Commodore. He also was a member of the Elks Lodge, Escanaba Country Club and Escanaba Lion’s Club. Chip enjoyed being an advisor for the Delta County Junior Achievement Program and tutoring in the ISD Adult Literacy Program.

Among his survivors are his wife, Mary Kay of Escanaba; children, Pamela Cipolla of Tucson, Ariz., Lyn (Richard) Campbell of Show Low, Ariz., Steven Cipolla of Chandler, Ariz., and Brett (Shannon) Cipolla of Mesa, Ariz.; first wife and mother of his children, Judith Coley of Tucson, Ariz., and grandchildren, Alexis, Taylor and Shea.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorials in Chip’s name should be directed to the Escanaba Rotary Trust, Camp Harstad, PO Box 821, Escanaba MI 49829. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.