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Michael T. Kippenberger


Family & friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Visitation on Saturday, December 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rt. 107) Revere for Ret. Revere Fire Department Lt. Michael Thomas Kippenberger “Kippy, Mike” who died unexpectedly on Friday, December 23rd at the Lowell General Hospital, he was 70 years old. A funeral Service will follow the visitation in the Funeral Home at 12:15 p.m., followed by interment with Military Honors in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

Michael, also known as “Kippy” or Mike was born in Chelsea to his late parents, Ret. Revere Fire Department Capt. Paul F. Kippenberger, Sr. & Irene T. “Renee” (Tuite) Kippenberger. He was the middle child of his brother & sister. He grew up on Harrington Street in Revere. He was educated in Revere Public Schools and was an alumnus of Revere High School, Class of 1971. Following high school, Kippy enlisted in the United States Navy, and proudly & faithfully served his country. When he returned home, he and his family moved to Topsfield. Kippy started working in construction as well as any other way he could make a buck. In 1976, he married his wife, Mary Ellen (Haggerty) on October 1st.  Kippy followed in his father’s footsteps both working for him as a locksmith at Atlantic Lock of Revere, as well as following his steps getting sworn in at Revere Fire Department.
Mike and MaryEllen moved to North Street in Topsfield in April of 1981, after welcoming their only son Michael in December of 1980. This new home, that he built himself (with the help of many) was something that made him proud. He, his wife, and his son enjoyed many happy memories on North Street.  While on the fire department he rose to the rank of Lieutenant and retired after 25 plus years on the job. He always looked back on his time in the department with fondness. Along with firefighting, Kippy owned & operated his own Locksmith business, MTK Locksmith, in which he was still working for over 40 years until his sudden death. When times got tough financially, Kippy would jump on a construction crew or grab a few more details down the track or plow snow to help his family get by. His son, Michael also worked alongside him for many years. MTK Lock installed many locks on many houses in the Tri-Town Area, as well as many businesses. He was talented in his trade, and he was recommended by many not only for his honesty and knowledge, but you were guaranteed a laugh or two. One of his biggest and longest accounts was being the subcontracted locksmith for the Burlington Public Schools for many years. He met many people through working in Burlington and throughout the North Shore. These relationships and friendships were so valuable to him. It was all about “who ya know” with Kippy.

The greatest joys in life were his family. Kippy consistently talked about his family and how incredibly proud he was of them. He was so proud that Michael went to college, that he met his wife Lauren (the daughter he never had) and their life together. He was overjoyed at the birth of his grandson, Michael. He treasured being a papa and being able to do many things with his grandson, including a recent trip to Disney World with him in July. He was really starting to enjoy the benefits of all of his hard work over the years and beginning to start to enjoy a semi- retirement.


Although he moved to Chelmsford his heart was still in Topsfield. He frequented the town often and looked forward to his time with his buddies for coffee. As he and MaryEllen grew older they were able to travel, enjoy time together floating in the pool, and they had many laughs along the way. Kippy will be remembered for being a man who would help others, give advice, and provide a “good joke”or two. He was proud of his accomplishments in life and the legacy he is living behind. He will be missed.

He is the beloved husband of 46 years to Mary Ellen (Haggerty) Kippenberger of Chelmsford, formerly of Topsfield. Loving & proud father of Michael T. Kippenberger & wife Lauren of Tewksbury. Adored papa of Michael P. Kippenberger. Dear brother of Katherine M. Call & husband John D., Jr. of Danvers & the late Dr. Paul F. Kippenberger, Jr. Cherished family friend of Kathy Ings “his other wife” and the Late Robert Ings of Billerica.  He is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, fellow brothers & sister Firefighters, colleagues in the locksmith industry and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O.Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 by mail or by visiting www.DAV.org.


Services

Memorial Visitation

Saturday, December 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home

Memorial Funeral Service

Saturday, December 31st at 12:15 p.m. in the Funeral Home

Interment

Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett


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  1. Michael & Geraldine Harrison
    Jan 9 2023

    MaryEllen and Mike,
    We were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We always enjoyed stopping and chatting with him. We missed him when you moved from North Street to Chelmsford and we’re so happy to catch up with him when he visited. Mike was so proud of you, son Mike and grandson Mike.
    Know that we are thinking of you and will always Cherish our good neighbors.
    With our deepest sympathy,
    Michael and Gerry Harrison

  2. Dr. John M. Moschella
    Dec 31 2022

    I met Michael back in 1958(?) Grade One, our first day at Immaculate Conception School, when my Mother said to me: “stay by Michael, he is bigger than you”! From that day on, we became the best of friends. Throughout our days in Revere Youth Hockey, Mike and I always skated on a line together, where he would “protect” me when things got a bit rough.

    Years later, he joined the fire department where we spent most of our careers together. He was always dependable and courageous when it came to fighting fires. He was a “turn-to” guy that got the job done.

    He always possessed a great sense of humor and was certainly a likable character, and although we seldom saw each other, we remained friends throughout our retirements.

    Although distance has prevented me from attending today, Kippy will eternally be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Mush

  3. Jane York
    Dec 31 2022

    Maryellen and your family. I’m so very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a great guy. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this very difficult time.

  4. GORDON SILVA
    Dec 31 2022

    I was shocked and saddened to learn of Kips’ passing. My deepest condolences to the Kippenberger family. It was an honor to know and a privilege serving with Kip on the MLA Executive Board.
    May his memory be eternal.

  5. Rick Binelli
    Dec 30 2022

    This is a beautifully written obituary. Thank you for making me laugh and cry while reading.

    Growing up in Topsfield and knowing Michael Jr. since Kindergarten, I have had the honor of calling Big Kippy my second dad for about 35 years of my life. And he ALWAYS treated me like a son. He didn’t put up with any nonsense, but he always found a gentle way to teach the lesson he needed me and Mike to learn from…usually over his specialty hot dogs or chicken parm. I miss the summer afternoons in the pool on North St., and the snowy days riding the snowmobile around the yard. And I will miss Kippy for making his home my home whenever I visited. I will never forget that.

    Love you always Kippy,

    Rick Binelli and Family

  6. David Shimmel
    Dec 30 2022

    I only new Kipp for a short time but learned sooooo very much!
    Everyone who was touched by Kipp will know how much he meant to them and their families! God bless, God speed,and remember you will always be in our HEARTS!

  7. Andrew Gori
    Dec 30 2022

    My sincere condolences on your families loss. I’ll aways retain my vivid memory of Kippy with his engaging simile and approachable, embraceable, and most respected manner that he shared so freely with everyone!

    Mike was one of the true good guys I’ve met in life who rapidly earned my fullest trust and friendship.

    Andy Gori and family

  8. Frank Binelli
    Dec 30 2022

    So sorry for your loss. Kippy was a great friend that would give you the shirt off his back. He did countless favors for me over the years. I’ll always remember the terror we caused at Mike and Rick’s basketball games. I’ll always remember Big Kippy

  9. Lauren Cameron
    Dec 29 2022

    Dear Kippenberger family,

    I am so deeply sorry for your loss. How inviting a friendly Mr Kipp was. I loved when he visited us at Sprouts. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

    Lauren

  10. Mary D’Olimpio
    Dec 29 2022

    Maryellen
    So sorry for your loss. Was so surprised to hear of Kippy’s passing. We graduated together he was a great guy and will be missed. My condolences and prayers to you and your family.

  11. Judy Brady
    Dec 28 2022

    Dear Kippenberger family,
    I am deeply sorry for your loss.
    For years, Mike always lit up our dental office with his warm presence and his hilarious jokes. I always looked forward to his visits.
    He was always smiling and making everyone else laugh. He will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to Mary Ellen, Mike, Lauren, and little Mike.
    Love, Judy B from Dr. Belfbecker’s

  12. Arlene witt
    Dec 28 2022

    MaryEllen, he was one in a million. I am so sorry for your loss.all Ican say is hold on to all those great memories. He was a great guy. My conversation with him at Tracey’s wedding will always remain in my heart.

  13. Ron Edson
    Dec 28 2022

    So sad to read of Kippys passing He sure will be missed

  14. Carol Chalker
    Dec 28 2022

    Dear Mary Ellen and Michael (and all family as well),

    I am so very sad to hear that ‘big Mike’ is gone. Mary Ellen, you and he were 2 of the very best friends I have had since our first days together, sharing that house on Grove St. in Topsfield. Although we went our separate ways, you have ALWAYS been there for me and us in times of need. I struggle to imagine what these days are for you now and want you to know how very much Mike meant to me and to my family. I hope to see you all and I want you to know that your have not left my thoughts since Christmas morning. Love, Carol

  15. Wendy Witt and Family
    Dec 28 2022

    We’ll miss you forever, Uncle Kippy. Your laughter and love will never be forgotten. Please give daddy a hug for me.

  16. Cath Estep
    Dec 28 2022

    I am so saddened by this news. Such a great guy. i called just a couple of months ago in trouble with loss of a key. Mike came right over that day and rekeyed the locks to my house. Great relief! Always reliable and loyal.
    I have known Mike for almost 20 years though the Burlington Public Schools. He always knew when something was up with me (a particular rough patch) and always stuck his smiling face in the doorway of my office. He will be greatly missed.
    I know that he loved his family more than words can describe. My prayers are with all of you.

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To all our families, friends, and residents of Revere, East Boston, and surrounding communities of the North Shore,

We would like to announce that after 37 years of caring for thousands of families at our 773 Broadway location, on January 31st, 2023 we will be officially RELOCATING, to our new location at 262 Beach St., Revere.
On September 30th, 2022, we proudly purchased the Vazza “Beechwood” Funeral Home – DiPietro and Vazza, Inc. A name that has served families for 102 years. We feel blessed that with all of the interest, the Vazza Family chose us to carry on their century old business and family name. We will become Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals. We will continue to honor the Vazza name and continue our commitment the same way that we always have. We also look forward to having both Louis Vazza and Jessica Vazza Ferragamo alongside of us, as we come together as one.
Our reputation has always been our biggest asset. For many years people always wanted us to have a larger facility, now our facility is the largest funeral home in the area. We will be making many beautiful upgrades to allow our families to have the most elegant facility to honor their loved one.
Although this announcement is bittersweet, as we say goodbye to our home, we are forever grateful for all of you for placing your constant faith and trust in us to care for your loved one. We will continue to do what we are best known for.
Thank you for your friendship and continued support.
God bless you all.
Faithfully,

Your friends at Vertuccio Smith and Vazza.

To all our families, friends, and residents of Revere, East Boston, and surrounding communities of the North Shore,

We would like to announce that after 37 years of caring for thousands of families at our 773 Broadway location, on January 31st, 2023 we will be officially RELOCATING, to our new location at 262 Beach St., Revere.

On September 30th, 2022, we proudly purchased the Vazza “Beechwood” Funeral Home – DiPietro and Vazza, Inc. A name that has served families for 102 years. We feel blessed that with all of the interest, the Vazza Family chose us to carry on their century old business and family name. We will become Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals. We will continue to honor the Vazza name and continue our commitment the same way that we always have. We also look forward to having both Louis Vazza and Jessica Vazza Ferragamo alongside of us, as we come together as one.

Our reputation has always been our biggest asset. For many years people always wanted us to have a larger facility, now our facility is the largest funeral home in the area. We will be making many beautiful upgrades to allow our families to have the most elegant facility to honor their loved one.

Although this announcement is bittersweet, as we say goodbye to our home, we are forever grateful for all of you for placing your constant faith and trust in us to care for your loved one. We will continue to do what we are best known for.

Thank you for your friendship and continued support.

God bless you all.

Faithfully,

Your friends at Vertuccio Smith and Vazza.