Eugene J. Kipper, Jr

Eugene J. Kipper Jr. (Gene), age 79, went home to Jesus, his Savior, on September 7th at Valley Health Services. Born on March 26, 1947, Gene was the son of the late Eugene and Jane (Waseleski) Kipper. He graduated with the Frankfort Schuyler Class of 1965 and attended MVCC. He served in the 50th Maintenance Battalion of the NY National Guard. He often boasted that he attended Woodstock in the back of a military truck, awaiting the call to bring order to a crowd of 400,000 people.

Gene’s fondest memories involved the years he was a flagbearer in the Starlighters Drum & Bugle Corp. His stories and friendships lasted his lifetime.

In his downtime, Gene loved bowling at Thurston’s, fishing and following his New York Yankees and Giants.

On April 3, 1971, Gene married Eileen Cunningham in the Blessed Sacrament Church. It was a loving union that spanned 55 years.

He worked with his father at the Union Fork and Hoe and went on to work in sales at Remington Arms before he was called to establish The Word Christian Center, serving as Pastor for 37 years. He had a shepherd’s heart and gave his all to those who crossed his path. For decades he and Eileen hosted The New Life Drama Company and supported the youth of the area as they enjoyed his jokes and never-ending stories.

Gene is survived by his wife, Eileen, his beloved son, Aaron and precious grandchildren, Kipper and Cookie. He also leaves his sister, Kandace Bickel, in-laws Loree (Jerry Gallagher), Shawn (Cynthia) Cunningham, and Maureen Snyder, as well as nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, in-laws Eugene and Rita Cunningham, Scott Bickel, Bill McCoy and Reverend Mark Cunningham.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday September 20, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home 4309 Acme Rd. Ilion, NY 13357. Followed by a service commencing at 3:00 PM. His family would like to invite all to attend an after gathering at:

The Word Christian Center

27 E. Main St.

Mohawk, NY 13407

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Word Christian Center 27 East Main St. Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.