William "Bill" J. Hipp

William J. “Bill” Hipp, 92, of Johnstown, passed away peacefully on April 10th 2026. 

Born on October 24, 1933, in Johnstown, Bill was the son of the late Raymond I. Hipp and Genevieve F. (Horten) Hipp. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Raymond M. Hipp; and his sister, Susanne R. (Hipp) McCabe; and his mother-in-law, Annamae B. Vavrek (Barclay).

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Patricia (Vavrek) Hipp, whom he married in 1956. He was a devoted father to his son, William D. Hipp (Tracey Barkley), and his daughter, Pamela A. Kirby (fiancé, Robert Gray). He was a proud grandfather to Sara E. (Kirby) Baillie, (Cameron Baillie,) Ashlie N. Hipp (fiancé, John Katich), and William L. Hipp, and a cherished great-grandfather to Connor Baillie. 

A proud veteran, Bill served in the United States Army during the Korean War, including service with the 510th Tank Battalion in Germany. He was a 1951 graduate of Johnstown Catholic High School (Bishop McCort). Bill dedicated decades of service to GTE, later Verizon, before retiring in 1983. He was a member of IBEW Local 1635 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), a co-founder of the St. Padre Pio Prayer Group, and a faithful member of St. Clement’s Catholic Church. He was also strongly dedicated to pro-life causes and was outspoken in his support, reflecting the depth of his faith and convictions. He was known in his neighborhood as “The Captain”, often at the center of the action and always drawn to sports, whether watching or joining in. Bill will be remembered for his warm and welcoming nature, always greeting others with a cheerful “hiya,” for his love of going on walks, and for how proud he was of his family and the legacy he leaves behind. 

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, there will be no public viewing or visitation. 

Family and friends are invited to a memorial Mass at 11:00a.m. on Wesdnesday, April 15, 2026 at St. Clement Church, 114 Lindberg Ave. Johnstown, Father William Rosenbaum. Arrangements are entrusted to Frank Duca Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Bill" J. Hipp, please visit our floral store.