Joseph Samuel Gaipa

Joseph Samuel Gaipa, Jr., 93, of St. Joseph, MI passed away on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Caretel Inns in St. Joseph. At his request, no service or visitation will be held. A private burial will take place at a later date. Those who wish to leave a condolence for Joe may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Joe was born on January 25, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph and Anna (D’Amato) Gaipa. After graduating high school, he attended Lewis College in Illinois receiving an Aircraft Mechanic Certificate. He later earned his flight instructor and glider instructor rating. While in college he attended a dance at a nearby nursing school where he met his future wife, Gladys Stalker. They were married on July 30, 1950 in Morris, Illinois. Together they raised three children. Joe proudly served his country in the Army during WWII. Flying was Joe’s passion. He spent many hours at the airport, day or night. There were few pilots in the local area who did not have a Joe Gaipa endorsement in their logbooks. Joe was also a local homebuilder for 60 years helping many families with their first homes. Gaipa Home Builders, LLC. is a well-respected family owned business now lead by his son, Tim.   Joe is survived by his daughters, Gladys “Cookie” (Brad) Ullig of Stevensville, MI and Barbara (David) Boron of Laingsburg, MI; son, Tim (Ruth) Gaipa of St. Joseph, MI; grandchildren, Brent (Jennifer) Ullig, Brian (Heather) Ullig, Bethany Ullig, Bradley (Jeannie) Boron and Kendra (Tom) Bennett; fourteen great-grandchildren and a sister, Betty Robinson of St. Joseph, MI. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gladys; grandsons, Joseph Gaipa and Alan Gaipa; two brothers and four sisters. The family would like to thank Joe’s family of friends and those who cared for him at Caretel Inns of Lakeland where he lived the last three years.