Lester "Mike" Whipple

Lester “Mike” Whipple, 82, of New Sewickley Township, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born January 9, 1929, in New Sewickley, son of the late Christopher and Florence (Byrd) Whipple. Known as Mike by family and friends, he retired from Phoenix Glass Company, Monaca.

He enjoyed the outdoors, both fishing and hunting; and always had a faithful beagle companion at his side. Mike was a member of the National Rifle Association. His greatest love was his family; always proud and supportive of their interests and accomplishments. He affectionately referred to himself as Granpaw when talking or writing cards and notes to the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Nell (Hazenstab) Whipple; a sister: Vera Krepps; eight brothers: Harold “Shinney”, Clarence “Fat”, Phillis “Tug”, Ralph “Scoop”, Frank, Tom, John and Roy.

He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law: Michael “Mick” (Chris) Whipple, New Sewickley; one daughter: Cris Henderson, New Sewickley; seven grandchildren: Leslee (Paul) Slota; Rob (Jennifer) Henderson; Kristi (Chuck) White; Janice (Jeff) Pflug; Joe (Beth) Whipple; Stacy Zola and Eric (Jill) Foster; eighteen great grandchildren: Julian, Haylee, Christina, Micayla, Nicholas, Noah, Olivia, Tristan, Isabella, Ian, Kiersten, Hailey, Alaina, Kara, Dylan, Paige, Kaden and Tyler; two sisters: Fran Rankin, Rochester and Mary DeVito, Beaver; many loving nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received Friday, November 4, 2011 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). His funeral service will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, in the funeral home with Pastor Ryan Paskey, officiating. Private interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. Online condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com