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Michael Ippolito
September 11, 1933 ~ August 26, 2016 (age 82) 82 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Connie Arruda from dunkin donuts
October 19, 2016 8:42 PM
It took a while to write but Mike you were the greatest. I still look at your spot but it's not the same without you there. I know that you're at peace now but we miss you a lot. My deepest sympathies to the family. Mike is watching over all of you.
Message from Mary-Ellen Breen Freeman
September 14, 2016 5:26 PM
Donna,
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was one of the best!
Though I haven't seen Mike in over 35 years, his picture made me smile !! He was such a warm, happy, friendly, generous man!! Our favorite memories are of swimming in your pool for many summers! Living across from my Aunt Mae, he had given us an open invitation to come swimming anytime all summer!! And we truly appreciated his generosity and the opportunity to cool off on a hot summer day!! He would always greet us with a huge, warm smile!
We have many fond memories of him and your mom.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary-Ellen
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was one of the best!
Though I haven't seen Mike in over 35 years, his picture made me smile !! He was such a warm, happy, friendly, generous man!! Our favorite memories are of swimming in your pool for many summers! Living across from my Aunt Mae, he had given us an open invitation to come swimming anytime all summer!! And we truly appreciated his generosity and the opportunity to cool off on a hot summer day!! He would always greet us with a huge, warm smile!
We have many fond memories of him and your mom.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary-Ellen
A candle was lit by Ruth Breen Cowan & The Breen Kids
on September 14, 2016 12:36 PM
Message from Patrick Kelley
September 10, 2016 12:54 PM
Sorry I could not be there today my second Kelley family, but hope all is well.
Anyone who met Mr. Ippolito could see how great of a person he was, and how lucky he was to have such a great family like you guys.
Stay positive and hope to see you soon.
Anyone who met Mr. Ippolito could see how great of a person he was, and how lucky he was to have such a great family like you guys.
Stay positive and hope to see you soon.
A candle was lit by Patrick Kelley
on September 10, 2016 12:50 PM
A candle was lit by Evelyn pepicelli, Rose hill garden
on September 9, 2016 7:57 PM
A candle was lit by Judy and Peter Smith
on September 9, 2016 11:45 AM
A candle was lit by Meagan Hennessey RIP Mr. Ipp
on September 8, 2016 10:25 PM
A candle was lit by The Kingston Kelleys
on September 7, 2016 8:08 PM
Message from Linda and Peter Breen
September 7, 2016 2:28 PM
We remember Mike very well from the Paul Smith Quartet at Ridder Country Club back in the day. They were all very well liked and very well received at all the functions at which they performed. It is with fond memory and great sadness that we read of his passing. May he rest in peace.
Message from Son-in-Law Gavin
September 6, 2016 10:29 PM
Why will I always look up to Mike Ippolito? Simple. Because he was not only a genuine, compassionate and humble man, but an inadvertent role model for being a good person. He led a full and illustrious life. He was a football hero both at Brockton high school and Northeastern University, a tactical diver in the Navy, a beloved high school teacher for 35 years, and a bassist and singer for a successful live band for 27 years. I think doing the right and honorable thing came naturally to Mike, which is why he left an impact on students coming from tough circumstances. He was hard working, and one who never wanted to let on how much pain or suffering he was enduring. I imagined he either learned this through, or his character drew him to football. I never played football. But I came to understand that, aside from the excitement of camaraderie and competition, struggling through physically hits, pain and exhausting effort were part of the game. I think he drew on this through the hard periods in his life. He made the most of every downturn and he gravitated quickly back to a state of humor. To me, Mike had the same character trait and value of keeping a smile on his face and an easy laugh through adversity as one of my other favorite role models, Franklin Roosevelt.
I loved going through the old photos in his photo albums, because each told an amazing story. He was the five-year old caught in the front line stance with an old leather helmet. He was in the Brockton High and Northeastern football squad team photos and later as a football coach at Brockton High. He was the burly navy diver rowing a long boat for drills. He was the debonair upright bass player in the mid 1960s. He was the groom in a solid white tux. My favorite were the pictures of the sixteen-year-old who, with 4 of his buddies cheering him on, decided to eat 10 sundaes at the local soda fountain. This gregarious teen drew the interest of local Brockton Enterprise photographer Stanley Bauman, who was well known for his photos of another Brockton hero, boxer Rocky Marciano. Stanley immortalized Mike’s feat in a series of beautiful black and white photos that vividly captured the late 1940s look and age of innocence. One was published on the front page of the Brockton Enterprise. He loved to tell the story of what his mother said when she saw the front page article. His mother Regina could be strict: “Some kids get in the newspaper for being on the honor roll. You get the front page for being a glutton!”
He was the guy who worked 3 jobs, including night shifts at the VA hospital, while putting himself through college, starting a new family and paying for a new house.
I first met Mike as my future father-in-law after he had just retired from Brockton High School teaching and retired from playing in the Paul Smith Quartet. Mike, Donna, and I laughed many times about how, before we were engaged, he introduced me as Donna’s “fionsee” at the first party to meet his close friends. When Donna ribbed him he said “What does it mean? I thought it sounded impressive. How do you spell it?”
I will never forget how he could keel over and go breathless with laughter at a good joke. He loved Rodney Dangerfield one-liners. Mike would draw cartoons of pivotal moments in his life. His nickname for his wife Lorraine was “The Hawk”, because she saw all and heard all that went on inside the house. When she came home from the hospital after her unfortunate fall and broken arm, his cartoon was an upright standing bird with a bandage over its wing and a cigarette hanging from her beak.
We also knew his love through his deeds. Each time we moved – Lowell, Thousand Oaks, Austin and Andover - Mike searched his favorite co-ops and ferreted out some little antique treasure with the name of our new hometown.
Collecting books, prints and antique artifacts of the whaling era was his other passion. He and Lorraine would go on antiquing trips and shows together. I think his prize collection were the rare maritime books he kept in his study for decades. And he read those books! He had an amazing knowledge of the authors, subjects and ships of the New England sea trades from the whaling era. He would make connections between something written in one book and an old whaling ship manifest he would come across. In the late 80s he sold most of his collection to buy a much needed van for hauling band equipment and a sedan. Then, 20 years later, he rekindled this passion after Lorraine passed. We watched in amusement and amazement as the inside of their house transformed from the more feminine porcelain decorations to what could be described as an extension of the New Bedford whaling museum. He would say “I’m nuts . . . crazy I tell you” at his drive to seek and collect. Each time Donna, Lydia and I visited he would have a new story about his latest find. He would show us rare bottles of Nye whale oil and dozens of intricately carved ivory bodkins. He also loved whimsical pieces like whirligigs and teeter-totters and began to carve his own whimsical sea monster sculpture. I so enjoyed getting together with him to hear him recount his latest acquisition. It all came together like thousands of pieces to a grand puzzle.
My regret? I never got up the courage to call him “Dad”. I thought it would make him feel awkward, yet he was so much like a second Dad.
Do I feel like crying? Yes, frankly, a lot. I say cry on. The world has lost a true hero. But heaven has gained a great football player and teacher, a loving husband, and a kind compassionate soul.
I loved going through the old photos in his photo albums, because each told an amazing story. He was the five-year old caught in the front line stance with an old leather helmet. He was in the Brockton High and Northeastern football squad team photos and later as a football coach at Brockton High. He was the burly navy diver rowing a long boat for drills. He was the debonair upright bass player in the mid 1960s. He was the groom in a solid white tux. My favorite were the pictures of the sixteen-year-old who, with 4 of his buddies cheering him on, decided to eat 10 sundaes at the local soda fountain. This gregarious teen drew the interest of local Brockton Enterprise photographer Stanley Bauman, who was well known for his photos of another Brockton hero, boxer Rocky Marciano. Stanley immortalized Mike’s feat in a series of beautiful black and white photos that vividly captured the late 1940s look and age of innocence. One was published on the front page of the Brockton Enterprise. He loved to tell the story of what his mother said when she saw the front page article. His mother Regina could be strict: “Some kids get in the newspaper for being on the honor roll. You get the front page for being a glutton!”
He was the guy who worked 3 jobs, including night shifts at the VA hospital, while putting himself through college, starting a new family and paying for a new house.
I first met Mike as my future father-in-law after he had just retired from Brockton High School teaching and retired from playing in the Paul Smith Quartet. Mike, Donna, and I laughed many times about how, before we were engaged, he introduced me as Donna’s “fionsee” at the first party to meet his close friends. When Donna ribbed him he said “What does it mean? I thought it sounded impressive. How do you spell it?”
I will never forget how he could keel over and go breathless with laughter at a good joke. He loved Rodney Dangerfield one-liners. Mike would draw cartoons of pivotal moments in his life. His nickname for his wife Lorraine was “The Hawk”, because she saw all and heard all that went on inside the house. When she came home from the hospital after her unfortunate fall and broken arm, his cartoon was an upright standing bird with a bandage over its wing and a cigarette hanging from her beak.
We also knew his love through his deeds. Each time we moved – Lowell, Thousand Oaks, Austin and Andover - Mike searched his favorite co-ops and ferreted out some little antique treasure with the name of our new hometown.
Collecting books, prints and antique artifacts of the whaling era was his other passion. He and Lorraine would go on antiquing trips and shows together. I think his prize collection were the rare maritime books he kept in his study for decades. And he read those books! He had an amazing knowledge of the authors, subjects and ships of the New England sea trades from the whaling era. He would make connections between something written in one book and an old whaling ship manifest he would come across. In the late 80s he sold most of his collection to buy a much needed van for hauling band equipment and a sedan. Then, 20 years later, he rekindled this passion after Lorraine passed. We watched in amusement and amazement as the inside of their house transformed from the more feminine porcelain decorations to what could be described as an extension of the New Bedford whaling museum. He would say “I’m nuts . . . crazy I tell you” at his drive to seek and collect. Each time Donna, Lydia and I visited he would have a new story about his latest find. He would show us rare bottles of Nye whale oil and dozens of intricately carved ivory bodkins. He also loved whimsical pieces like whirligigs and teeter-totters and began to carve his own whimsical sea monster sculpture. I so enjoyed getting together with him to hear him recount his latest acquisition. It all came together like thousands of pieces to a grand puzzle.
My regret? I never got up the courage to call him “Dad”. I thought it would make him feel awkward, yet he was so much like a second Dad.
Do I feel like crying? Yes, frankly, a lot. I say cry on. The world has lost a true hero. But heaven has gained a great football player and teacher, a loving husband, and a kind compassionate soul.
A candle was lit by erin crowley
on September 5, 2016 10:31 PM
Message from erin crowley
September 5, 2016 10:31 PM
Mike was the nicest man i have ever both brilliant, kind and wonderful to talk with. i miss our mornings at the Sandy Rose for breakfast. How he lovingly spoke of his wife "the Hawk". The sparkle in his eyes and the sound of his laugh. Just a Truly Wonderful human being.
love and miss you
love and miss you
A candle was lit by elaine mills
on September 5, 2016 5:59 PM
Message from Jordan Arbit
September 4, 2016 10:18 PM
Mr. Ippolito was my football coach @ BHS when I was sophomore and we were on double sessions. The year was the fall of 1965. He was the head coach of our sophomore team. We practiced in the mornings because school for sophomores back then was from 1-5 pm. He was the type of coach who was always smiling and was so nice that you would want to run through a wall for him. He was my all-time favorite coach. We were undefeated after playing about 4 games when the head coach of the varsity, Jack Sarson, got upset for some reason at his varsity players and decided to elevate the entire sophomore team on to the varsity. Coach Ippolito was so much fun to be around and he made playing football for him fun and he got great results because of his easy manner in relating to his players. I will always have fond memories of him and send my sincerest condolences.
Message from Donna Kelley (Mikes Daughter
September 7, 2016 5:10 PM
Thank you so much for posting these stories and remembrances. . .I love reading all of them because it makes all the memories come back again. In particular, Jordan, yours made me laugh. We are still friendly with the Sarson family, even though Mr. Sarson has passed, so I will be sure and share this with him! Thanks again!
Message from Michelle (Church) Awtrey
September 4, 2016 3:48 PM
Mr Ippolito was my drivers Ed teacher for the class of 1977. He would be happy to know that I have a perfect driving record. Rest in peace!
Message from Gerald Beals
September 5, 2016 12:44 AM
Greatly saddened to hear about Mike's passing. As a fellow teacher at BHS, we spent many happy hours discussing area history and our latest finds at the old Norton flea Market. ...His knowledge and related book collection on whaling always struck me as truly extraordinary and most remarkable.
Recalling his always upbeat courage when our paths crossed over the past several years, Arlene and I pray for your just and eternal peace
.
Gerry Beals
Recalling his always upbeat courage when our paths crossed over the past several years, Arlene and I pray for your just and eternal peace
.
Gerry Beals
A candle was lit by Katie and Stephen Bennett with heartfelt sympathy
on September 4, 2016 1:38 PM
Message from Cynthia Eldridge Gadaire
September 4, 2016 10:26 AM
Mr. Ippolito was class act! He helped in teaching me driver's ed. I was one of "those kids" that needed a little extra confidence in achieving my drivers license. He helped to reduce the anxiety by his storytelling and incredible sense of humor. He was one of the bright stars that shone in my high school career. Class of 1977.
Message from Beth (Peckham) Stvens
September 2, 2016 10:31 AM
Mr. Ip was one of the best teachers ever! He was genuine, kind and he truly wanted to make a difference. I wrote him when I was in College to get information about a lecture he gave. He responded quickly. When I think of high school, he is definitely one of the people I think of with fondness. He surely made a difference in my life! Thank you Mr. Ip! RIP
A candle was lit by Ann Addivinola, He was such a great guy! (Former Student)
on September 2, 2016 10:03 AM
A candle was lit by GLENN COWARD ( FORMER STUNDENT )MAY HE REST IN PEACE
on September 1, 2016 9:00 AM
Message from Dick and Diana
August 31, 2016 8:45 PM
Mike has been our friend and neighbor for many years. Every morning we spent wonderful enjoyable time at Dunks having our early morning coffee . We sold our treasures at several shows Mike will always be remembered as a kind and funny and caring and loving man who loved and missed his beautiful wife Lorraine Who cherished Donna ,Gavin and Lydia. He gave joy to all that knew him. Our memories of Mike will last forever in our hearts . He is The Angel among Angels that will shine forever. We Love you Mike.
Always Dick and Diana
Always Dick and Diana
A candle was lit by Dick and Diana
on August 31, 2016 8:28 PM
A candle was lit by Daughter Donna
on August 31, 2016 8:18 PM
Message from Kimberly Morse
August 31, 2016 3:24 PM
Ippa was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was a loving and devoted husband to The Hawk, an amazing father who inspired Donna to achieve greatness and the shining example of what a grandparent should be to Lydia.
He was one of the funniest people I've ever met, and so are his golf buddies who I know will miss his laugh and viper wit.
He is now reunited with The Hawk and they are both smiling down on their family.
He was one of the funniest people I've ever met, and so are his golf buddies who I know will miss his laugh and viper wit.
He is now reunited with The Hawk and they are both smiling down on their family.
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