Joseph Nicholas Chippari, 85, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Frankfort, NY, Chip lived a life full of laughter, generosity, and a warmth and spirit that made everyone feel welcome. His deep pride in being from Frankfort never left him, no matter where life took him—Frankfort and Utica, NY; Manchester, NH; Hobe Sound, FL; Lakewood, CA—and most recently, Guthrie, OK.

Chip had a rare gift: he could make anyone feel like family. With a quick joke, a warm smile, a sincere compliment, and a seat at his table, he built a lifetime of connections.

He loved to golf, bowl, and play cards—and he had a real passion for cooking. His meatballs, fried dough (pizza fritte), homemade sauce, shrimp scampi, “three-alarm” fried hot peppers, homemade cuccidati (Italian fig cookies), and traditional baccalà dishes were legendary.

A proud member of the Army National Reserve, where he served for seven years, Chip valued loyalty and friendship deeply. He stayed closely connected with many of his friends from the Frankfort High School Class of 1957—organizing reunions, sharing old stories, and keeping those bonds strong through the years. Everyone who knew him knew his door was always open, and there was always a seat at his table.

Before his retirement in 2006 in Florida, Chip enjoyed a long career as a Systems Analyst. His love of technology led him to create personal software programs and digital photo collections that captured years of memories.

He was a devoted and playful husband, father, and grandfather, who built a family rooted in love, laughter, and kindness. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila, of nearly 65 years; his children, Lisa Spera, Dana Walters (Scott Walters), and Chris Chippari (Amijo Chippari); his grandchildren, Nick Spera (Alexandra Spera), Michael Spera (Lyn Spera), Katie Chipman (Evan Chipman), Connor Walters, and Lindsay Walters; and his six beautiful great-grandsons: Shepherd and River Spera, Brendan and Colin Spera, and Cash and Max Chipman. He is also survived by his sisters, Catherine Paige and Mary Lou Howard; his brother, John Chippari (Margaret Chippari), his sister-in-law, Mary Lou Chippari, the widow of his late brother, Francis Chippari; and a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Our family is choosing to honor his life privately, treasuring the countless memories, laughter, and love he gave us over the years. We invite you to celebrate Chip’s incredible life by sharing your stories, photos, and video messages with us on this Memorial Site.

Thank you for keeping his life, his love, and his joyful spirit alive in your hearts.

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