Irving Kipnes

It is with great sadness that the family of Irving Kipnes announce his passing on Wednesday December 20th, 2023. Born November 15th, 1933, in Brooklyn New York, Irving (Irv) was the fourth child born to Harry and

Sarah Kipnes. Irv was a fun-loving child, who blossomed into an energetic teenager with a sense of daring. He
excelled at math at school and graduated early to go study Mechanical Engineering at City College of New
York. Irv married Maddy Rosenberg in 1958 and they moved to Sacramento, CA, later welcoming the arrival of their
first child, Andy. After a few years in the Golden State Irv’s career progressed, and new opportunities drew the
young couple to cross the country, this time to Massachusetts. But with the arrival of their second child
Debbie in 1962, they wanted to be closer to their roots. Huntington, New York beckoned, and it was here that
in 1968 the couple welcomed Bart, their third child. Shortly thereafter the family relocated to nearby
Hauppauge, which was to be Irv and Maddy’s forever home. Whilst in California, Irv was employed by the aerospace industry, working on both the Polaris and Apollo space
programs that had been introduced in 1956 and 1961 respectively. This was an incredibly exciting time to be
an engineer and Irv was happy to be part of a monumental effort by the United States to win the ‘space race’
over the Soviet Union. However, the lure of home was irresistible and in 1962 the young family moved back to
New York. Irv joined his brother Sid and Jack who had founded a company, Multimatic Products – a precision
machine parts manufacturing business – initially based in Plainview, and later moving to a new facility in
Hauppauge. The brothers successfully built the business over the ensuing decades in Long Island.
Outside of work, Irv was a lifelong New York Yankees fan. He loved baseball and reveled in watching his team
compete in 23 world series matches during his lifetime. Equally, but perhaps without the same level of
euphoria and celebration, he loved the New York Jets. 1969 was certainly a banner year for Irv as he settled
into his new home in Hauppauge and watched the Jets win the Superbowl (their first and only Vince Lombardi
trophy, much to Irv’s chagrin!). His love of sports was something he passed to his children, coaching both Andy
and Bart in little league football and baseball, and supporting Debbie’s passion for horseback riding.
Irv was born with a sense of adventure and zest for life. He loved to ski and would enjoy taking his family on
ski trips as far afield as California, Colorado, Canada, and Austria, sometimes finding a way to combine his love
of the sport with another passion, an evening at the craps table in destinations like Lake Tahoe. Putting his
math skills to work, with friends like Al Heller, Irv tried to make sure that the House didn’t always win. The
great outdoors fueled Irv’s sense of adventure. Whether this be horseback riding with his daughter in the
Arizona desert, exploring Egypt with Maddy or jungle trekking in Thailand with his brother Jack, Andy and Bart
(riding bamboo river rafts and Thai elephants!). A little closer to home, Fishing was also a passion. He enjoyed
fly fishing in Alaska and a family famous canoe trip down the Allagash River in Maine with his brothers and
nephew. Anything could happen on a fishing trip with Irv! Forever in family folklore were fishing trips in the
Atlantic – in a small boat with a Johnson 5 horsepower engine, or just a pair of oars and a bottle of Coca-Cola
(in lieu of water!). Irv couldn’t (or wouldn’t!) hear very well, so he never listened to ‘the rules’.
In 1999, Irv became a grandfather for the first time, with the arrival of Dylan. Over the course of the next few
years, he was thrilled to welcome three more grandchildren – Maxx, Dalton and Bryce. Irv loved his
grandchildren unconditionally, taking boundless pride in each grandchild and their unique characters, and he
cherished watching them all grow into confident and accomplished young men.
Irv also loved animals and for many years, volunteered for the Guide Dog Foundation. He was devoted to
Snafu, Chester, Scotty and most recently, Chelsea. And of course, they were all devoted to him.
Irv’s presence brought joy and laughter to his family with his trademark mischievous smile. He was a beloved
husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. A man of great character, profound wisdom, and
unwavering strength. He taught his children and grandchildren the importance of hard work, authenticity, and
integrity. His love for his family was unmatched, and he was to them, a hero, their rock, and their inspiration.
As we bid farewell to our hero, and our hearts are heavy with grief, we will find solace in knowing that Irv’s
spirit will live on in us. His love will continue to guide us, his memories will continue to inspire us, and his
presence will always be felt. Irv will be dearly missed by his children, Andy, Debbie, and Bart; grandchildren,
Dylan, Maxx, Dalton, and Bryce; son in law Don, daughter in law Andrea and devoted dog Chelsea; as well as
big brother Jack, and many other family members and friends who loved him.
In honoring Irv’s memory, we acknowledge the fullness of a life well lived. We celebrate the unique qualities
that made him who he was. And we remember that our memories are not simply moments in time, but are
threads that weave together, connecting us through him, to one another.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that a donation be made to a charity of your personal choice