Obituary of Robert A. Hipkins, Sr.

Robert A. Hipkins Sr., 100, of Katonah, died peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2024.  He was born on October 19, 1924, making him the youngest of nine children of Ora and Earl Hipkins, of Kinsman, Ohio.  Devoted husband to Florence Doris Hipkins and loving father to Robert Jr., David and Carol. 

From his humble Midwestern beginnings through the Depression era and working on the family farm, he moved east to Katonah, marrying Doris in 1948, beginning a new chapter in his long life’s journey.  Known as Bob to family and friends, he was a hard working dedicated family man, and beloved for his warm mid-western style. He was a highly skilled craftsman, being a finished carpenter for over 50 years and a United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America life member. In his retirement years he found great joy spending hours in his workshop creating one of a kind wood crafted items for area craft shows and gifting them to family and friends.  He also enjoyed his sports teams; he remained a loyal Cleveland Indians fan, while becoming an avid NY Jets and Mets fan.

Though Bob didn’t like being the center of attention, we honor and celebrate his 100 years of life for the integrity, kindness, and generosity he showed us every day.  And we cannot forget about the subtle, and sometimes dry sense of humor he shared through his last days.  The love and wisdom he shared with his children will remain with them as a part of who they are.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ora and Earl Hipkins; his wife of 72 years, Doris Florence Hipkins; three sisters Hazel Bush, Elizabeth “Clara” Hipkins and Louise “Sally” Rogers; and five brothers Russell, Garold, Donald, Richard and Roy.  He is survived by sister in-law Deborah Douglass of Marco Island, Fl.; daughter Carol A. Heady of Fishkill, NY; sons, Robert A. Jr. and David E. of Katonah, NY; and step-grandsons Frederick L. Heady and Patrick T. Heady along with many nieces and nephews. Predeceased family members also include sister in-laws, Marjorie Brown Clark and Elizabeth Brown, brother in-laws David W. Brown, Richard S. Brown, Jeffery L. Brown, and son-in-law Frederick G. Heady.

A private service is being held on Monday April 28 at Clark Associates Funeral Home.  Graveside service to follow at 1:15 PM at Oakwood Cemetery, 304 Lexington Ave, Mt Kisco, NY 10549.