Michael S. Lipscomb

Born on July 19, 1946, in Asheville, NC, Michael grew up in Spartanburg, SC, before settling in Ohio in the early 1980s. His life was defined by his unwavering commitment to excellence, both professionally and personally. A proud veteran of the Vietnam War, Michael served his country with honor as a member of the United States Army. Prior to his military service, he attended Clemson University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1968. After returning from the war, he furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from Furman University in 1973. His engineering mind and business acumen propelled him into a distinguished career across multiple industries, with his most notable contributions in the aerospace sector.

Michael was the Chairman and CEO of Argo-Tech, leading it to significant growth and its sale to Eaton Corporation in 2007. He also held leadership roles at Sifco and served on multiple corporate boards, including Altra Holdings and Ruhlin Group. Additionally, he founded Aviation Components Solutions and JC Carter. His passion for business extended beyond leadership—he thrived in the competitive industry landscape, loved engaging in discussions about business strategy, and found great fulfillment in mentoring others.

Despite his remarkable career accomplishments, Michael was most cherished for his devotion to his family. He was a loving husband to Tracy Lynn Lipscomb and a dedicated father to Michael 'Keith' Lipscomb (Angela) of Pepper Pike, OH, and Carol Lipscomb Mirones (Daniel) of Fort Lauderdale, FL. His six grandchildren—Nicolas, Ryan, Anna, Lauren, Amelia, and Colin—brought him immense joy, as did his relationships with Tracy's grandchildren—Carter, Finn, River, Orion, Apollo, and Eleanor. He also maintained a close and meaningful connection with Tracy's children, Eli, Robert, Lauren, and Valerie. He is also survived by his loving sister, Priscilla 'Joyce' Lipscomb of Spartanburg, SC.

Michael raised his children to value perseverance and never missed a swim meet, even in the harsh Ohio winters. His adventurous spirit was passed down to his children and grandchildren, instilling in them a deep curiosity about the world and a genuine appreciation for people. He had a natural gift for conversation and could connect with anyone, no matter where he was—from Antarctica to the North Pole, China to Egypt. Whether traveling the globe or enjoying a round of golf, he embraced life with enthusiasm and a fearless desire to explore. As a mentor to many, he encouraged others to dream big and gave them the confidence to turn those dreams into reality.

He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but for his generosity, kindness, and the deep love he had for his family. Raised by two strong women, his mother and grandmother, he developed a profound appreciation for family and meaningful relationships. He believed that the true measure of success was not just in accomplishments but in the connections he built and the lives he touched.

Beyond his love for family and business, Michael and Tracy shared a love for dancing, listening to music, and spending time with their beloved dogs. Michael was also a devoted sports fan. He developed a deep love for Cleveland baseball and basketball and was a steadfast supporter of his teams. More than that, he was a pillar of strength for his family, always just a phone call away for his children, who knew they could rely on him no matter what. His unwavering presence, love, and support will be deeply missed.

Michael's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His passion, wisdom, and adventurous spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a funeral service beginning at 3:00 PM at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 20820 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Northeast Ohio SPCA in Michael’s honor at https://northeastohiospca.org/