Michael “Mike” Ippolito, 82, of West Bridgewater, died on August 26, 2016 at the Marian Manor of Taunton, after courageously battling cancer. Long-time residents of Brockton will affectionately remember his wise, funny, pragmatic voice.

  Mike, who taught Drivers Education, then Sociology and Anthropology at Brockton High School for 35 years, played bass in the Paul Smith Quartet, and avidly collected marine antiques. He was one of a handful of people who deserves the description “larger than life”.  He lived life with a disarming buoyancy, readily spotting a student in need of encouragement, delightedly chasing the next antique whaling find, entertaining us with his funny renditions of popular songs, and eagerly inviting one and all to his table to listen and learn.  Mike was a mentor to generations of students and a model for living life with humor and compassion.

   After Mike’s honorable discharge from the US Navy, stationed in Panama City, Florida as an Underwater Demolition Technician (now Navy Seals), he attended Northeastern University, Class of 1956, where he received a BA in History and earned the distinction of  NU Huskies Football All-Time Letterman. He was a steadfast, devoted husband to wife, Lorraine [Grady] Ippolito for 58 years, until her passing in 2014, and a loving, supportive father to cherished daughter, Donna.  While working several jobs to provide for his family, he received his Masters in Education at Bridgewater State College in 1960 and continued to accrue credits towards a PhD.  The “Ippa”, as he was affectionately known, held his friends and golf buddies in the highest esteem. He was a longtime member of the Brockton Country Club.

   He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Donna M. and Gavin P. Kelley of Andover and granddaughter, Lydia Rose Kelley, who will be attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY Class of 2020, in the fall.

   All are welcome to memorial visitation at the Waitt Funeral Home, 850 North Main Street, Brockton on Sat., Sept. 10th from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, visitors are invited to come and share their favorite personal memories of this unforgettable man.

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