Richard John Stipanovic

February 10, 2021

CHARLOTTE – Richard John Stipanovic, 93, loving husband, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather; passed peacefully at Elmcroft of Little Avenue to join our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 10, 2021.

Richard was born January 30,1928 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Lauro and Mary Stipanovic.  Before he graduated from high school, at the age of 16, he joined the Merchant Marines, where he dredged the Port of Philadelphia and made several voyages on liberty ships to Europe and Russia during the war.  He was extremely proud of what this branch of the armed services did to help the war effort. At age 18, he was drafted into the Army, where he was stationed in several cities in Germany, including Nuremburg during the War Crimes Tribunal.  As with most of his generation, he did not talk about his service until much later in his life, but his service during and after World War II had a profound, lasting, and positive impact.

Upon completion of his military service, he returned to Philadelphia.  After finishing high school, he began a forty plus year career with General Electric.  He married the love of his life, Josephine “Jo” Tenuto and they raised their two children together. Richard’s job at General Electric brought the family to Charlotte in 1977 where he retired in 1990.

His greatest joy in life came from his wife and family. Richard was always an active participant in the lives of his children and their five grandchildren.

He was a dedicated parishioner at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for over thirty years.  When Jo was alive, some of the activities and organizations they enjoyed participating in were the St. Matthew's STARS, St. John Neumann's 50 Plus Club, St. Gabriel's OWLS and the Charlotte Italian/American Club.

Richard’s favorite past times included playing golf, traveling and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.  He will be remembered most for his selflessness, altruism, and genuine interest towards others. Richard was patient and kind and demonstrated humility in all aspects of his life.

Richard is survived by his children, Rich Stipanovic, and his wife, Sue and Cindy Bauer and her husband, Cliff; grandchildren, Colleen Stipanovic, Brett Bauer, Lauren Bauer Robertson, Richard Stipanovic and Brooklyn Bauer; great-grandchildren, Levi Bauer and Henley Robertson.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ann Elder; brothers-in-law, Tom Elder and Mike Tenuto and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to acknowledge the special care and compassion provided by the Elmcroft of Little Avenue and Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 12, 2021 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Road in Charlotte officiated by Reverend Joshua A. Voitus. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the chapel at the church. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery in Matthews.  COVID protocols will be followed at the church.  The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stvdpcharlotte/live for those unable to attend.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, PO Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • Carmel Sullivan

    The family of Richard Stipanovic lost a wonderful, kind, and caring man. He will be missed by many, but remember by all as a special person.

  • Arthur J. Stipanovic

    Dear Ricky and Cindy, so sorry about your Dad's passing. Our prayers are with you. It is a happy day in heaven as he as joined your Mom, our grandparents, aunts and uncles. Art &Chris Stipanovic

  • Diane Tenuto

    Ricky & Cindy Family
    I am so sorry to hear about your dad he was so nice . I remember all the summers in Wildwood with all of us Together, those were good memories . He is in Heaven with your mom now . The last time I saw your dad was at my moms viewing, that was so good to see him , sending all of you Prayers and Love he will be forever in your Heart , so sorry

  • Cheryl & Jack Snyder

    Dear Ricky & Cindy so sorry to hear about Uncle Dicky's passing. Both of you and your families are in our prayers. We are with you in Spirit. God bless all of you.

  • Lana Suhren

    I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I loved the stories you shared with me, and your get togethers. He is now with your mom.
    Sending love and prayers to you and yours.

  • Lori A Michaels

    Cindy and Family ,
    I remember meeting your Dad, just once at Lauren's house for Cindy's Birthday Surprise. It was such an honor to meet him, since you, Cindy always shared such fond memories and a proud glowing smile whenever you spoke of him.. My heart and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

  • susan Barrett

    Rickey Cindy & Family, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad I saw him a couple of years ago at Aunt Martha's viewing .your Dad was a trooper taking such a long car ride at his age.
    Uncle Dick was a kind gentle soul and will be missed. Your Dad truly loved his family and was so proud of all of you. Sending you Love Prayers Healing Love Susan Jack Johhny,

  • Pat and Ann Watts

    Rich
    Thank you for sharing you dad with us. We always enjoyed having him come to our house.
    We will miss his entertaining conversations. He had a long and interesting life.
    His military service to our country will always be appreciated.