Gary L. Phipps

Gary L. Phipps, 69, passed away at home on Easter Monday, April 5, 2021 wrapped in the love of his family, following a challenging battle with cancer. Born Christmas Eve in Norfolk Virginia, Gary joined the Air Force in 1970 and was stationed at Dover AFB where he met his wife of nearly 48 years Susan Phipps (Wheeler).  Remaining in Delaware after his years in the Air Force, Gary worked for over 30 years at Diamond Shamrock Chemical Corporation / OxyChem in Delaware City. 

Gary took great pride in providing a loving home for his family.  He took even greater pride in his children and their accomplishments, whether it was their academic or athletic achievements as children, or as the productive adults they have all become.  Another source of pride for Gary was the furniture appointments he and his friend Joe Spanelli hand made for both Holy Family Catholic Church and the Little Sisters of the Poor Chapel in Newark.  Having become a Catholic in 1990, this was quite a proud achievement for him.

Gary and Susan loved to travel and cruise and, following their retirement, they especially enjoyed leaving the cold each February and heading to sunny Florida.  Making retirement even sweeter were the monthly Happy Hour gatherings and travel adventures from coast to coast and into the Caribbean with a great group of friends who were so supportive of Gary and his family during his illness.

Along with his wife Susan, Gary is survived by his three children, Mary Satanoff (Ben), Elizabeth Phipps, and Brian Phipps (Robyn) and his three grandchildren, Jane Satanoff and Natalie & Bradley Phipps.  Additionally, he is survived by his brother Sonny Phipps (Kathy), sister-in-law Mary Wheeler Anderson, and brother-in-law Jim Wheeler (Kimberly) and nephews John & Daniel Wheeler and David Phipps (Kaitlyn).  He was predeceased by his parents, Nolan & Jean Phipps, his step-mother Daisy Phipps, brother Richard Phipps, father & mother-in-law Bob and Sue Wheeler and brothers-in-law Bob Wheeler Jr. and Michael Wheeler.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Margaret’s of Scotland Catholic Church, 2431 Frazer Rd., Newark on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 11:00am with visitation beginning at 10:00am.  A committal service will be held at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation of your time, talent, or treasure to a charity of your choice.

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