Robert Constantine Wippich

ROBERT CONSTANTINE WIPPICH died peacefully at home on Sunday May 21, 2023. Robert was born in Athens, Greece, to Kyriaki (Andreou) and John Wippich. As his father was in the U.S. Air Force, Robert spent his formative years in Greece, France, Germany, Connecticut, and North Dakota. Upon graduating from the American High School in Athens, he moved to Alabama and attended Lurleen B. Wallace Junior College before attending Auburn University where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. Having participated in the ROTC program at Auburn, Robert then entered the U.S. Marine Corp where he was commissioned an officer. After an injury, he received a medical discharge. He met and married Ruth Ann Hodge, and they had two children Roger and Rebecca.

After working at the State Port in Beaufort, NC, Robert was hired at Cherry Point Marine Corp Air Station. He studied for and received a degree in Computer Science from Park University. He then moved into what would become his life's work, Information Systems. He worked at Cherry Point MCAS until December 2000 when he moved to Durham, NC, to work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Service. The EPA was a real match for Robert who was a tree-hugger from way back. Robert remained at the EPA until his retirement in January 2022.

In 1999, Robert met and married the love of his life, his wife Roberta (Robbie) Jean. The two renewed their vows by having their marriage blessed at Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Durham. In 2012, after a meeting with the priest on another topic, Robert went home and asked Robbie if she would marry him again. She did, and their marriage was blessed by Father Stavrophoros that July. It was a joyous occasion for them both and for all those in attendance.

Robert's greatest joy in life was his relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After being saved in 1992, Robert devoted himself to the Lord's work. He loved to listen to sermons and especially to read and live life in accordance with God's word. On the night before he passed, he listened to the Gospels on You Tube videos, and the last sounds he heard were the Scriptures.

Robert was preceded in death by his Father John Wippich, his mother Kyriaki Wippich, his sister Maria Wippich, and his beloved aunt and uncle Despina and Theodore Thomas. He is survived by his wife Roberta Wippich of Durham, NC; his son and daughter-in-law Roger and Eva Wippich of Jacksonville, NC; his daughter and son-in-law Rebecca and Lucas Benners of New Bern, NC; and his grandchildren Elsie Benners, Ethan Wippich and Hannah Wippich. He is also survived by his cousin Christina (Thomas) Hinks of the United Kingdom; and dear friends Benjamin and Nicole Deiser and their children Jessica, Nevyn and Brian of Harrison, OH. Additionally, Robert will be remembered fondly by numerous friends and colleagues from the EPA.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal service at which to memorialize Robert. Memorial donations may be made to the budget of either

Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

8306 NC Highway 751

Durham, NC 27713-6860

online at https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=wWsk24ZWJSTZKsGd1RMKlg0BDvsSG3VIWQCPJNNxD8upkiY7JlDavDsozUE7KG0nFx2NSo8LdUKGuGuF396vbYt0zxKW5UmqdvY6WIZruAoiYnTg5dP4O6rpX5QvPEWlBhHDN59kLZFffwKfYERpQszt5XkCQuzKJIATPgV6PR8=

or

Emergency Chaplains, Inc.

P. O. Box 14762

Durham, NC 27709

online at https://echap.org/donate