More detail on this person: Colonel Gerald (Jerry) T. Hipp, USA, Retired, passed away on Thursday March 20, 2025, in Savannah, GA. Jerry Hipp was born on May 3, 1940 in Washington D.C. and raised in Philadelphia, PA where he developed a passion for Philadelphia sports teams. He graduated from LaSalle High School in 1957 and LaSalle College in 1961. Jerry excelled in rowing and competed with enthusiasm and success in his college boat. Jerry won the Dad Vail Regatta as both a rower and a coach. He remained a lifetime supporter of USA Rowing and the sport. Jerry met Olivia Ann Waters on a blind date in 1962 and married her on June 5, 1965 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in El Paso, TX. Jerry was proceeded in death by his beloved daughter, Colleen Marie Hipp; brother, Dr. Thomas J Hipp; parents, Loretta (nee Heany Cunningham) and Norbert J. Hipp; and aunt, Doris Bilder. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Olivia Ann Hipp; son, G. Thomas (Lisa) Hipp; daughter, Doranne (Stephen) Hipp Ralston; sister, Anne Denise Hipp; sister-in-law, Lynne Hipp; nephews, Kevin (Mary) Hipp, Col. Sean (Christine) Hipp, MD, USA; cousins, Maureen (Ed) O'Connell, Megan (Bob) Bilder, John Bilder; grandchildren, Ryan (Allison) Howerton, Trevin (Hannah) Howerton, Abby (Brandon) Emmert, 1LT Andrew (Allie) Hipp, USA; great grandchildren, Ames, Ryli, Wells, Hayes and Wade; brothers-in-law, Earle Waters, Barry Waters, John (Barbara) Waters and Don (Gail) Waters. Extended family include Stephen Louis Ralston, Anthony (Ellerie) Ralston, Jacqueline (Andrew) Helmus and Louis Ralston. Colonel Hipp was commissioned as a 2nd LT in the United States Army Artillery in 1961 and assigned to the 11th ADA Bde, Ft. Bliss for 2 years. In 1963, he began the Army Fixed Wing Aviator course and completed the helicopter course in 1965. He deployed to Vietnam in 1965-1966 with the 1st Air Cavalry Division as an Aerial Rocket Artillery Platoon Leader, An Khe (Ia Drang Valley campaign). Air Cav Troop Commander, 2nd Armored Cav Regt, 1966-67. Company Commander, 25th Avn Bn, 25th Inf Div, Cu Chi, Vietnam 1968. Emergency Action Officer, DCSOPS, HQ FORSCOM 1970-72. Chaparral/Vulcan S3 and XO, 11 ADA Bde, Ft Bliss 1973-76. Associate TRADOC Systems manager, Attack Helicopter 1977-79, Ft. Rucker. HQ USAREUR, DCSOPS Aviation (Opns BR chief/Deputy Aviation Officer) 1980-83. Apache Attack Helicopter Program Mgt Office, Deputy for Test and Evaluation, 1984-85 STL. Deputy Director of Advanced Systems, HQ Avn Systems Command 1986 STL. Chief of Staff, Aviation Systems Command, STL 1987-88. Retired 1988. Military schools included Command & General Staff College and Army War College. Colonel Hipp earned the Master Aviator Badge and his awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star w/Oak Leaf Cluster, MSM w/Oak Leaf Cluster, 25 Air Medals w/ a V device, ARCOM. In 1988, after retirement from the Army, Jerry began a fulfilling second career with DCS corporation until 1997 when he and Ann retired for good to Savannah. Jerry began what he always referred to as "active retirement living" at The Landings. Jerry enjoyed tennis, golf, boating, bocce, pickle ball, and happy hour but especially tennis and happy hour. Jerry and Ann traveled to visit family and friends extensively. Friends were important to him as those who considered him a friend can attest. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitefield Ave., Savannah. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Colleen Hipp scholarship fund. Make checks payable to AAAASFI, in the memo section write "Colleen Hipp Scholarship-IHO Gerald Hipp" Mail to: AAAASFI, 593 Main Street, Monroe, CT 06468. To send money electronically: Go to quad-a.org, select the scholarship tab, select donate, enter amount, choose the fund as "General Fund", this is in honor of "Gerald T. Hipp", Comments, Other Instructions & Fund Designations are as follows: "Tennessee Valley Chapter (Colleen Hipp Memorial) Perpetual Matching Scholarship.
Burial information: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
This information was last updated 03/24/2025
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Date posted on this site: 04/13/2025
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