Michael F. Cipolla, mechanical engineer

Michael F. Cipolla, 69, of Harbeson, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at home surrounded by his family, after a long struggle with kidney disease. He was born Wednesday, Sept. 24, 1947, in Chadds Ford, Pa., son of the late Giovanni and Anna (DeCecco) Cipolla.

Mr. Cipolla married the love of his life, Susan (Sewell) Cipolla April 4, 1970, and thus began their family. A graduate of Brown Tech in Wilmington, he lent his knowledge and talents as a mechanical engineer to Stone and Webster in Cherry Hill, N.J., over a 28-year career. Mr. Cipolla enjoyed being a softball umpire, snowbirding trips to Florida, surf-fishing, and volunteering at the Elks Lodge in Lewes. His most cherished times, however, were those spent with his grandchildren, all of whom he adored. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25).

Mr. Cipolla is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Susan (Sewell) Cipolla; his sons: Michael D. Cipolla and his wife Jennifer, of Newark, Dominic A. Cipolla and his wife Rhonda of Laurel, and Mario F. Cipolla and his wife Shannon of New Castle; his daughter, Christina M. Cipolla of Wilmington; his grandchildren: Michael Cipolla and Juliette Cipolla of Newark, Emma Cipolla, of New Castle and Giovanni Cipolla and Ryan Michelle Cipolla, of Laurel; his brothers, Anthony Cipolla and Peter Cipolla; and his sisters, Jeanette Kraukowski and Nancy Rowe.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 202 Edward St., Georgetown, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will immediately follow the Mass at St. Peter's Cemetery, Pilottown Road, Lewes.

All arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contrbutions in Mr. Cipolla's memory to the National Kidney Foundation, 29580 Stillwood Drive, Delmar, MD, 21875.

Please visit Mr. Cipolla's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.