Martin “Marty” Zippel, 96, formerly of Easton, died Wednesday, October 17, 2018 in Jupiter, Florida.
Born February 7, 1922 in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Hyman and Clara (Schuster) Zippel. His wife, Doris L. (Levin) Zippel died in 2003.
He owned Martin Zippel Co., a toy distributer in Phillipsburg, NJ. Marty was a sports hero, a World War II Army Air Corps veteran, a prize winning Scholar Athlete at his beloved Lafayette College, a professional basketball player, a successful businessman, a humanitarian, and a philanthropist. He was a pillar of the community in Easton where he resided for 70 years. He was President of the Boys & Girls Club of Easton, President of the B’nai Abraham Synagogue, President of the Toy Wholesalers Association, a Trustee of Lafayette College, active in the Jewish Federation of Lehigh Valley, Chairman of the Board of Lafayette Bank, and a scratch golfer. His kindness and generosity were widely known and he touched the lives of countless people.
He is survived by a son, David Zippel, and his husband, Michael Johnston; a daughter, Joanne Zippel and her partner, John Skolas; a brother, Irving Zippel; two grandchildren, Zachary and Erica Schnitzer; and his good friend, Elly Singer.
Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 21, 2018 in B’nai Abraham Synagogue, 1545 Bushkill St., Easton. Interment in B’nai Abraham Cemetery, Forks Township. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Easton or B’nai Abraham Synagogue. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Nancy Travis Paul
October 19, 2018 at 12:01 pm
My sincere condolences to David and Joanne and the entire Zippel family. What a wonderful man he was and I am so glad I knew him.
Arthur Navarro
October 19, 2018 at 1:28 pm
It was an honor to meet “Marty”. He served our country honorably and provided outstanding leadership to his community with consistency, clarity and steadiness of purpose. — Arthur Navarro
William Rappolt
October 19, 2018 at 2:27 pm
Marty was one of the great ones. He loved Lafayette and basketball in particular. He was always on the side of the student athlete and worked tirelessly for youth. We will miss him!!
Bill and Pam Rappolt
Michael Whitman
October 20, 2018 at 11:37 am
Marty was an inspiration to us all. Those of us who share his passion for Lafayette College and basketball know just how intense that passion was. He was truly one of the greats and he will be missed. The entire Zippel family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda and Michael Whitman ‘82
Tony & Chris Ballato
October 20, 2018 at 2:45 pm
David & Joanne,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad. He was a well respected man, great boss and a friend.
In the 15 years I worked for your dad and mom, they treated me as family instead of an employee. They will always be in a special place in my heart. I will never forget all that they did for me and my family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this your time of need.
Tony & Chris Ballato