John Groom Trippett

Published 9:33 pm Monday, May 2, 2016

John G. Trippett, of Tryon, 63, succumbed to an extended illness Friday, April 22, 2016, at the Hospice House of the Carolina Foothills in Landrum, S.C.

John was born on August 22, 1952, in Fredericksburg, Va., the son of the late Frank Gordon and Betty Littlepage Timberlake Trippett. He was predeceased by two of his little “fur kids,” Molly and Dusty.

John had resided in Danbury, Conn. where he worked for the Danbury Parking Authority in maintenance and security positions. He and his wife, Ginny, relocated to Tryon, N.C. nearly three years ago where they made their home.

John was an avid reader and liked nothing better than a trip to a beach. His idea of paradise was a white sand beach on a tropical island, where he could snorkel, read or nap. His love for animals made him a true advocate for their rights and safety. John had a passion for living and bringing joy into a room. With a twinkle in his eye, his booming and infectious laughter quickly spread throughout the room wherever he was and whomever he was with. Among his favorite sayings was, “It’s so important to laugh.”

He is survived by his loving companion of 33 years and wife of 12 years, Virginia “Ginny” Plume of Tryon; his nieces, Holly, Betty and Maggie; nephews, Robert, Frank, Lewis, Adam, Tim, and Chris; numerous grandnieces and grandnephews; his sisters, Bess Rathbone (Kevin) of N.Y., and Nan Widdop of Florida; brother, Robert Trippett (Laurie) of Maryland; sister-in-law, Betsy Plume (Ken Rainey) of Pennsylvania; and brothers-in-law, Stephen Plume (Martha McDaniel) of Vermont and John and Rebecca Plume of Florida. He is also survived by many cousins and an uncle who loved him.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date in Tryon, N.C. and in Danbury, Conn.

In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make a donation in John’s memory to one of the following: Foothills Humane Society, P.O. Box 126, Tryon, NC 28782; Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon, NC 28782 or Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, NC 28722.

John’s family would like to give a special thanks to the nurses and CNAs of HoCF for their compassionate care given throughout this difficult time. Ginny also thanks Judy Stott, who helped her through another difficult loss.

His warm smiles and hearty laugh will be greatly missed. “I love you more than tongue can tell.”

An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.