John Pippo

John J. Pippo of Hortonville, NY, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, February 22, 2015 at the Roscoe Regional Rehabilitation and Residential Health Care Facility, Roscoe, NY after suffering for many years from Parkinson's Disease. He was 84.

The son of the late Henry "Red" and Anna Fisher Pippo, he was born December 4, 1930 in Mt. Vernon, NY.

John proudly served Our Country in the US Navy from 1948 to 1950. He was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

On June 24, 1958 John married Ruth Simpson and together they owned and operated beauty shops in Hortonville, Roscoe, Livingston Manor, and Hancock. He taught cosmetology at Sullivan County BOCES and Delaware-Chenango-Otsego Counties BOCES from which he retired in June 1986.

For many years, John and Ruth opened their home for foster children, serving over 20. Many still stay in contact and are considered "our children." After both had retired, they volunteered with Mercy Ships from September 1993 until January 2001. Mercy Ships is a Christian non-profit missionary organization serving the poor and needy of the world through medical services on hospital ships as well as other land projects such as drilling wells for pure water, buildings constructed, and serving areas of disasters.

John served his community, state, and nation by his work as a former member of organizations including the Upper Delaware Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Sullivan County Chapter of the National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association. He served as President for the Delaware-Chenango-Otsego Counties BOCES Teachers Association. John was a board member of the New York State Occupational Education Association and the National Educators Association. A national award was presented to him by the American Vocational Association. He was a professional member of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, a student organization. He also served on the New York State Board of Trustees of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America.

Survivors include his loving wife of over 56 years, Ruth Pippo, at home; his daughter, Ruth Ann Pippo of Surfside Beach, SC; his sisters, Kathleen Bitetto of Stonington, CT and Bettina Connors of Liverpool, NY; his brother-in-law, David Connors of Baldwinsville, NY; cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, foster children and many close friends considered family.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 10AM to 12 Noon in the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave., Roscoe, NY.

Funeral services will be Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 12 Noon in the funeral home. The Rev. Paul Cicio will officiate.

Memorial contributions in John's name may be made to the Donation Processing

The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5041 or to the Roscoe Reg. Rehab. & RHCF - Activities Fund, 420 Rockland Road, Roscoe, NY 12776

Burial will be in the Bon Air Cemetery, Roscoe, NY, at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave. Roscoe, NY. 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200 www-Harris-FH.com