Robert "Rip" Cipalo

Robert “Rip” Cipalo, 92, of Streator passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the Veteran’s Home in LaSalle.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 8, 2025 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Streator. Pastor Brian Moeller officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Streator. Military rites will be performed by the Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492 at the graveside. Pallbearers will be Duncan Secrist, Gabe Secrist, Robert Stansbury, Brian Stansbury, Mike Renner, Michael Renner, and Colin Renner. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 AM Saturday at the church. Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home, Streator have been entrusted with arrangements.

Rip was born December 30, 1932 in Streator, a son of Michael and Anna (Boza) Cipalo. He married Muriel Renner on May 20, 1961 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Streator.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Muriel; three children, Jane (David) Cavanaugh of Streator, IL, Charles (Sheila) Cipalo of Morris, IL, and Lori (Gabe) Secrist of Williamsfield, IL; a grandson, Duncan Secrist; a sister, Gert (the late John) Stansbury of Streator IL; and a sister-in-law, Lois (the late Michael) Cipalo of Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son at birth, Michael; a brother, Michael Cipalo; and two sisters, Florence (the late Andrew) Botte and Virginia (the late John) Minneci.

Rip was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Streator.

Rip graduated from Streator High School and was inducted into the SHS Hall of Fame for his athletics. He had served in the United States Army and a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the Streator American Legion Post 217 and VFW Post 1492.

He had worked for Owens Illinois until his retirement and had served as past president of the union.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Veterans’ Home in LaSalle, IL.

You can view the obituary and leave condolences for the family at www.hagischultzfh.com.