KINGSBURY– Donald E. Tripp, 82, of Kingsbury, and Wildwood, FL, passed away from cancer on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at the Cornerstone Hospice Mike Conley House in Clermont, Florida.
Born on November 14, 1937 in Glens Falls, he was the only child of Earle and Nellie (Trendell) Tripp. Don was a long- time resident of Kingsbury and recently spent winters in Wildwood, Florida.
He attended Hudson Falls School graduating in 1955 and married Mary Ellen Murphy on July 14, 1956. They enjoyed 63 years together.
Don was a 3rd generation dairy farmer until 1971. Then, he went to work for the Town of Kingsbury Highway Department moving on to the Washington County Highway Department where he was a foreman when he retired. Following retirement, he worked several years plotting the 911 addresses throughout Washington County.
While farming he participated in the Washington County Fair Tractor Pull with his International 706 tractor. His first-place win earned him the opportunity to advance to the New York State Fair competition, where he also placed first. Giving him the honor of being the first tractor puller from Washington County to have a first- place finish at the New York State Fair, an award he was very proud of.
Though his occupation changed from farming the “farmer” within him never faded. His big tractors were traded for smaller ones. Don was an avid farm toy collector making several trips to Dyersville, Iowa for the Annual Farm Toy Show, participating in the Greenwich FFA Farm Toy Show, and building his extensive “Toy Room” in their home.
He was a member of the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company in its early years. He served on the Washington County Fair Board for many years and was a member of their executive committee.
Being an only child family was important to Don. He simply enjoyed doing things with family and friends. There were many holiday gatherings and family reunions on the home farm property. There is no doubt that Don enjoyed talking and he could converse with anyone he met. His conversations and sense of humor will be missed by all.
Don leaves behind an extensive family. His wife Mary of 63 years, his seven children, their spouses and 14 grandchildren.
He will be missed by his wife, Mary Tripp; their children, Joan(Dale) Prouty and their children, Adam Prouty, Ida Prouty(Lisa Phillips) and Erin Brisbin, Kathy (Clinton “Lucky”) Stevens and their children, Joshua Stevens and Kristina (Brian) Felton, Albert (Pam) Tripp and his children, Pamela (Adam Quist) and Jeff (Summer Cross), David (Carol)Tripp, Donna Kelly and her sons, Brian (Erika Gundel) and Randy (Kaeli) Kelly, Robert Tripp (Tammy DeBlois) and his children, Katelyn (Zack Bennett), Briana (Mike) Alexander and Robert Jr (Gwen Roberts), Benjamin Tripp (Michele Georgi) and his daughters, Kylie and Teagan Tripp; and a generation of 15 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 330 Green Barn Road in Kingsbury. A ceremony honoring Donald will be at 1:30 p.m., followed by a country picnic.
Remembrance donations can be made to a hospice house of your choice, or the Washington County Fair, 392 Old Schuylerville Road, Greenwich, NY 12834.
goodbye Don it was nice to have known you
Rest in peace Dad and my deepest condolences to Mary and the rest of my extended family.
Our most sincere condolences goes out to this family. Through Dave&Carol we had a day of pleasure when we went to one of your gatherings and got to meet a lot of the family.
It’s a hard time in your lives now but know he is now in God’s hands. Thomas Daley
Dear Mary,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
May the happy memories of Don be a source of comfort to
you and your family. Most sincerely, Roy and Sue Cottrell
Thanks to Jesus for creating such a unique man with many gifts and Don chose to use them and relationships husband father,grandfather,greatgrandfather. My hard working,family man,Cousin
Our sincere condolences to the entire Tripp family. Don was one special person, and he will be truly missed. We will miss seeing him at the Washington County Fair and the Hudson Falls Memorial Day parade. RIP our friend, god has gained a special angel. Thoughts and prayers to the family in this difficult time. God be with you, Steve and Kristy Maille
I’m so sad to hear this!!! Don’s smile just lit up a room. Mary I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers your way. XOXOX
I am so sorry for your loss of Don. He sure was a fun loving guy. He always brightened up the day when he came around. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. He is at rest now. R.I.P. Don, you have gone to the big fair in the sky. Love to all.
Paulette
My heart goes out to the entire Tripp family. I have fond memories of Don and Mary. Working with Donna I really got to know and love this family. He will be missed dearly. Sending hugs and prayers during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathies to the whole family. Don, and Mary, were always smiling and so pleasant to me. I enjoyed the Trip parties, the Fair, the times I’ve hung out with their children. Don will certainly be missed, may he rest in peace.
A fond memory of my start at Washington County. Helped with 911 addresses. Don taught me alot about roads in Our county my town of Whitehall. A true gentleman. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
A fond memory of my start at Washington County. Helped with 911 addresses. Don taught me alot about roads in Our county my town of Whitehall. A true gentleman. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Thank you Jesus for gift of a wonderful gifted man who chose to be a good husband, father,grand father great grandfather a great family man and in the farming world left his mark.
To the family of Don our condolences and prayers are with you. I worked with Don for the better part of 23 years. It was my privilege to call him not only a co-worker but a valued friend. He will be missed by all who knew him and especially myself
remembering Don especially when I worked for his Dad one summer as a teenager. Of course he was close friends with Wayne and Sonja Harris my sister and brother in-law.
We’re so sorry to hear about Don’s death. He was such a great and interesting person to know. The Washington County Fair won’t be the same. But Don will be there in our memories forever!
To the Tripp family.We are so sorry for your loss.We did not know Don but judging by the wonderful children he raised he must of been a great person.Thoughts and prayers,Carla and John Armstrong
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Carla and John Armstrong
Our deep less sympathy Gene & Cindy Whitt