Stephen J. Chipolis, 55, of Harding, died peacefully, Monday, September 4, 2017, at home surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on November 12, 1961, in Taylor, he was the son of Robert and Mary (Farino) Chipolis of Duryea.
Stephen was a graduate of Pittston Area High School, class of 1979. He was previously employed for several years with Contempri Homes and currently employed by the Wyoming Area School District as a storeroom coordinator at the Secondary Center.
He was married to his loving wife, Gina for nearly 28 years. He was a loving husband and a dedicated father and son. Stephen’s family was everything to him. He set a standard in life to be honest, respectful and responsible and passed this on to his sons through example, communication and encouragement. He loved most sports, but his favorites were those that included his sons. He never missed their games and was supportive of the entire team. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. The family shared many memories on Black Lake, New York, where he loved bass fishing and tubing with his boys. He also loved hunting the local woods for “trophy buck” and his passion was bow hunting. Stephen was also a talented woodworker, carpenter, and handyman; building his own home and doing all the finishing work himself. He made several intricate toy model trucks for his boys and always crafted something wooden for them at Christmas.
Stephen was an active and committed member of the Corpus Christi Parish, Church of the Holy Redeemer, Harding. After the tragic loss of his oldest son, Matthew, from a motorcycle accident, he moved forward by becoming involved with the Wyoming Area School District Scholarship Programs. Two programs that he embraced included the Fallen Warriors and the Matthew Chipolis Scholarship, which was dedicated to his son. The world was a better place for having Steve in it, and he impacted all those he encountered. Those lucky enough to have made his acquaintance, even for a brief moment, found him to be warm and caring, and felt as if they knew him for a lifetime. His everlasting smile will be greatly missed.
Stephen may have lost his battle with cancer, however he never complained and he always maintained a positive attitude as he fought the disease with courage.
He was preceded in death by son, Matthew Stephen Peter Chipolis on May 13, 2011; and brother, Joseph Chipolis on March 13, 2013.
Surviving in addition to his parents, are his beloved wife Gina Romani Chipolis; cherished son Christopher, at home; granddaughter Hannahh, Minnesota; mother-in-law, Regina Romani; his late brother’s wife, Joyce Chipolis; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Diane Romani; Leonard and Mary Romani Sklaney; John and Christine Romani; Anthony Romani and companion Roseann; John and Doreen Romani Marianacci; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, September 9, 2017, at 10:00am in Corpus Christi Parish, Church of the Holy Redeemer, Harding. Those attending are asked to go directly to the church on Saturday morning. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call Friday, September 8, 2017, from 4pm to 8pm at Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston.
Memorial donations may be made to the Matthew Chipolis Memorial Scholarship or to the Fallen Warrior Scholarship at Wyoming Area School District.