Samuel "Sam" Harrison Gipe, Sr.

Samuel “Sam” Harrison Gipe, Sr.

A Man with Hard-Working Hands -

Samuel “Sam” Harrison Gipe, Sr., age 76, of Carlisle, took his final lap while surrounded by his loving family on Monday, February 25, 2019.  Sam was born on Saturday, January 2, 1943 in Harrisburg to the late Leo Harvey Gipe, Sr. and Meariam Pauline (Witmer) Gipe.  Sam was the widower of Patricia “Pat” Lee (Bordner) Gipe, whom he married on September 18, 1961, and who died on October 8, 2018.  In addition to his parents and wife, Sam is preceded in death by his son, Michael Bryan Gipe, Sr.; and his two brothers: Leo Harvey Gipe, Jr. and Thomas Gipe

Sam’s survivors include his six children: Tammy Berger and her husband, Paul, of Lemoyne, Samuel “Sam” Gipe, Jr. and his companion, Betty Arnold, of Mechanicsburg, William “Bill” Gipe of Carlisle, Jeffrey “Jeff” Gipe and his wife, Mary Beth, of Mather, Troy Gipe and his companion, Kenneth Troup, of Mechanicsburg, Jessica Hoffman and her husband, Douglas, of Newville; his 17 grandchildren; his 17 great-grandchildren; his two sisters: Mary Ellen Neidig and her husband, Len, of Lebanon, Margie Aldrich of Newville; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved canine companion, Brandy.

Sam graduated from Central Dauphin High School as part of the class of 1961.  He retired from Barnes Construction, after many years of service as a carpenter.  At the start of his career, Sam worked as a self-employed carpenter alongside his brother.  The two owned and operated their own business, Leo and Sam Construction.  He later worked for Leaseway Transportation as a diesel mechanic and for Negley's Racing.  Sam enjoyed making things with his hands; he liked building houses, fixing diesel engines, or putting together model cars and airplanes.  His true passion was auto racing. Sam built and raced his own cars in the street stock division at many local tracks.  Countless hours were spent at the track or in the garage preparing for the next race.  His pride and joy was his family, he loved to spend time with them.  The love of his family and his hard-working hands set the example for his entire family.

All are welcome to join Sam’s family at his viewing on Friday, March 1, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:30 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Celebrant George A. Spangler officiating.  Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Harrisburg.  Honored to be pallbearers are: Eddie Barilla, Jeff Gipe, Michael Gipe, Jr., Samuel Gipe, Troy Gipe, Jesse Hitz, Doug Hoffman, Daniel Taylor, and Katelyn Wyland.  Sam’s family invites everyone to join them for a dutch treat reception at Old Country Buffet, 5083 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112, immediately following the burial.

The family respectfully asks that contributions be made in Sam’s memory to help defray his final expenses.  Donations of any amount are welcome and greatly appreciated.  To donate, simply click on the green “Appeal for Donations” button on Sam’s obituary which appears on Buhrig.com.  Donations by check can be made payable to Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  Credit card donations by telephone can be made by dialing (717) 766-3421.  Sam’s family thanks you and Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory for the financial support at this difficult time.

Sam’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Sam’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.