Robert “Sip” Sippel

Robert “Sip” Sippel passed away on March 26, 2025, in Exeter, New Hampshire, at the age of 87. Born on May 1,1937 in Taycheedah,Wisconsin, son of the late Oswald and Verna (Olig) Sippel. He graduated from Kewaskum High School in 1955 and joined the US Navy. Robert lived most of his years in New Hampshire (Nashua, Portsmouth and most recently Stratham). His life was marked by dedication to work and his family, service to country, travel, lifelong friends and a love for watching almost all sports, especially the Green Bay Packers, The Wisconsin Badgers (GO Wissy!), NCAA basketball and the Wimbledon fortnight. Robert served honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Boxer CV-21, demonstrating a commitment to duty that would carry through every chapter of his life. After military service, he began a long career at Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack, New Hampshire and Fort Collins, Colorado. Over the course of 30 years with the company, Sip became a familiar and respected presence before retiring. A lifelong athlete, Sip played and coached competitive softball for numerous teams, even playing alongside his adult son for the Saab Nashua Team. He also never missed supporting his children’s sporting events – no matter how long the drive. He took up golf later in life and loved the game – usually getting up before dawn to play sunrise golf. Upon retiring, he moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, built a house and groomed a putting green in his backyard. Sip continued to play softball in the Wilmington Senior Softball League until he returned to NH to be part of his granddaughter’s world after she was born. In his later years, he kept in touch with lifelong high school and work friends, old and new neighbors and his softball buddies. He read the entire newspaper daily – always starting with the comics. The newspaper’s crossword, Jumble and word search were finished by each night’s end. He loved the routine of his last years and often expressed how fortunate he was. Robert is remembered by those who knew him as a man of integrity and for giving a ‘hand up’ to anyone in need. He had great respect for the humble ‘underdog’ and humble hero (especially in sports). His incredible memory for stats and math remained with him throughout his days. Sip appreciated the concise truth throughout his life and was deeply appreciative of Dr. Nicholas Armellino at Exeter Hospital Emergency Department, for just that – straight-up honesty delivered with respect and compassion. He is survived by his brother William Sippel, daughter Laurie Murphy and the light in his life, his granddaughter Reese Murphy. Sip is also survived by TJ Murphy, a support and friend for many years. He was predeceased by his brother George Sippel and his son Stephen Sippel.

A private burial in the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen is planned for late spring. The Cremation Society of NH is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.