Obituary: Steven G. Wipfler, 66, of Ledyard

LEDYARD, CT - (Byles Memorial Home) Steven Wipfler, age 66, of Ledyard, Connecticut, passed away at home on the afternoon of Monday, May 18, 2020, after a brave and sudden bout with cancer. Born on May 31, 1953, in Newark, New Jersey, Steve grew up in Springfield, New Jersey, and called Ledyard home for the past 27 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Meta Wipfler. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Gail (Malicky) Wipfler; sister Lori Pedersen of Kirkland, Washington; daughter Dawn DeLia of Niantic, CT; son Michael DeLia of Stonington, CT; adopted grandson Brandon Wipfler; grandchildren Lauren, Ryan, and Brett Galisewski; and two great grandchildren.

For 45 years, starting as a bank teller and rising to the posts of branch manager and assistant vice president, he applied his prudence and attention to detail as a community and retail banker. His colleagues remember him as a reliable and attentive manager and mentor. After retirement from banking, he continued to work as a property manager for cousin-in-law and long-time Ledyard resident Joseph Lozier.

Steadfast, generous, and with great practical knowledge, he was always happy to lend a helping hand or serve as a sounding board. He was a reliable first call for many friends and relatives when they encountered issues with vehicles, homes, and finances.

He gave back to the broader community as a member and former Treasurer of the Ledyard Lions Club and by serving as a local election official. For the past ten years, Steve volunteered for the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation of New Jersey, which helps children with cancer and their families.

Steve maintained a lifelong love of aviation. His first job in high school was at the Somerset Airport in Bedminster, NJ, and he earned a pilot’s license at the age of 17. He took pleasure in home improvement projects and, recently, maintaining a cherished red convertible Mustang. With Steve’s steady and trusted hand – Gail trusted no one else more than Steve behind the wheel – the couple traveled on road trips up and down the Eastern Seaboard, often in the summer to visit family in Myrtle Beach.

Their longest trip was across the country in an RV, and included a two-year stop in Oregon. After returning to the East Coast and settling in Ledyard, they marked the end of their cross-country trip with a slate plaque on their home declaring “Journey’s End.”

To honor Steve’s memory, donations may be made to: Groton Heights Baptist Church, 72 Broad St, Groton, CT 06340 (www.grotonheights.org); or the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, for which donations can be made by check payable to the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation and mailed in care of C. Cumo, 100 Meadowbrook Road, Brick, New Jersey 08723.

Byles Memorial Home is assisting the family with the arrangements which are private. Burial will take place in Avery Stoddard Cemetery in Gales Ferry.