Robert Craig Tippery

Robert “Rob” Craig Tippery, age 77, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024. He was born on March 14, 1947, in Highland Park to Frank and Grace Tippery. His life was a testament to love, adventure, and dedication, leaving behind a legacy cherished by all who knew him.

Rob attended Hartford High School in Hartford, Michigan and graduated in 1965. Rob enlisted in the Air Force Reserves in 1968 in Howell, Michigan. He was later called to serve as active duty in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. During his time in active duty, Rob was quickly promoted to the rank of Airman First Class (A1C). His commitment to service and duty was unwavering throughout his military career.

He also built a successful career as a business owner, founding Apollo Cleaners in Warren, Michigan. Apollo Cleaners was a venture he took great pride in.

In 1968, Rob met the love of his life, Ruth Ann Welch. Ruth worked with Rob’s mother, Grace, at the City of Warren’s clerk’s office. Ruth always knew Rob was the one for her from the moment he walked through the door for that first date. Their love was steadfast, and they married on March 12, 1976. After forty-eight years of marriage, Rob and Ruth’s love was still as strong as it was the day they had met back in 1968. Their love for one another and the bond they shared remained a pillar of strength and joy throughout their lives together.

Rob was a man of humility and selflessness. This was exemplified by his donation of a kidney in 1972 to his brother Mark. While he would not boast about this occurrence, Rob’s donation saved Mark’s life. Mark’s procurement of Rob’s kidney was one of the first transplants at the University of Michigan Hospital, a trivial moment not only in the history of the hospital, but in both Mark and Rob’s lives.

Rob had a profound appreciation for the outdoors. He loved exploring Michigan’s beautiful landscapes. His passion for nature, birds, and animals. also extended to fishing, whether on a peaceful lake or a charter boat with close friends and family.

Golf was another of Rob’s great loves. He was an enthusiastic golfer, joining a golf league and making the sport a regular part of his life. His competitive spirit and enjoyment of the game were evident in every round he played. His sports enthusiasm was also reflected in his support for local teams, particularly the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers.

In his personal time, Rob enjoyed playing cards with friends, and treasured moments spent with family. His appreciation for life, and humble spirit, leaves a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Rob is survived by his beloved wife of forty-eight years, Ruth; his cherished in-laws Jack Welch and Rose Santini; his adored dog Camille; and numerous other family members and friends who will forever remember his warmth, humor, and the many ways he touched their lives.Preceded in death by parents Frank Tippery Jr. and Grace Clark; brother Mark Tippery; brother in-law Ben Nabors; and dogs Raisin and Heather.

A memorial service celebrating Rob’s life is currently being planned for the near future. Please continue to monitor our website for any updates.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 South Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, Michigan 48307.

Rob will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.