Obituary of Martha Ann Zipay

Martha Ann Zipay, our beloved mother and grandmother passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the age of 84.

Martha was born on May 25, 1940, to John and Martha McCrone of Pine Brook, NJ. Martha graduated from Grover Cleveland High School, Caldwell in 1958. After high school, she began her career as an administrative assistant for multiple companies including Reaction Motors, Data Dimensions and Cigna. While working at Reaction Motors, a fellow co-worker named Marge introduced her to her brother, Andy. The love story begins... Martha and Andy were married on September 15, 1962. They resided in Lake Hopatcong, NJ where they built a beautiful home and raised two children, Susan and Andrew John.  They were happily married for 52 years.

Martha loved sports. Although she was good at all sports, she excelled at bowling, softball and tennis. When they needed a coach for her son’s little league baseball team, she didn’t hesitate to volunteer.  Some of her best stories were from her time of being Coach Zipay.  She loved to attend her grandson’s sporting events and activities. She could often be found on the football, baseball, basketball, lacrosse and soccer sidelines rooting on her boys. She was proud of every one of them. She was a dedicated New York Giants and New York Mets fan.  So much so that when the phone rang during games it was ignored.

Martha loved animals. As a child, she was always surrounded by dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, birds and a goat. One day her dad brought home a “pure bred” cocker spaniel. It turned out the dog was part Chow and became her favorite pal, Twigs.

Martha loved her family and friends deeply.  She was always kind and was always there if you needed help. She always had a smile on her face which matched her sparkling blue eyes. She could play the piano and was always fun to be around. Martha loved to tell stories. She could always captivate you with a story over a cup of coffee sitting at the kitchen table or next to you at the slot machines.

Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband Andy, her parents John and Martha McCrone, and her dear friend Marilyn Davis. She is survived by her son Andrew John Zipay and his wife Doreen, her daughter Susan Connelly and her husband Robert and her six cherished grandsons: Tyler, Kevin, Brian Zipay and Jack, RJ, Brody Connelly. Her sister and best friend Patricia Ricker and her husband John, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

We are at peace knowing that with Martha’s passing, she is reunited with Andy and the love story continues…..

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 2:00PM – 6:00PM at Tuttle Funeral Home, located at 272 Route 10, Randolph. A Funeral Service will take place on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 10:00AM located at Tuttle Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at Locust Hill Cemetery, located at 168 N Sussex Street, Dover.

In lieu of flowers, donations and contributions can be made to Ways to Give (bestfriends.org).