WILMINGTON — Thomas George Tripman passed away on March 19, 2025, at the age of 83.
He is survived by his daughter, Holly Tripman Fitzgerald; her husband, Michael; and his beloved granddaughter, Sophia. His love for his family was immense, and his presence will be deeply missed.
He was born to George and Elinor Tripman on August 21, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio. Tragically, he lost his father when he was just three years old, after which his family moved in with his maternal grandparents, Charlotte and Wilmer Pricer, who played a significant role in his upbringing.
Tom’s athletic abilities were clear from a young age. He led his Little League teams to multiple championships and excelled as a basketball player at Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1959. After several years, he resumed his education, attending Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky, on a full basketball scholarship, graduating in 1967. He continued to participate in amateur sports, including softball and basketball, while working at the GM division of Inland Manufacturing in Dayton, Ohio. A professional opportunity relocated him to Southern Pines, North Carolina, in 1978, where he stayed until moving in with his family in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 2024.
As we mourn the loss of an extraordinary father and grandfather, we also acknowledge that many others have lost a cherished friend. He was always willing to lend a hand and was the go-to person if something needed fixing. He often held onto items in case their parts might be needed later, frequently saying, “Don’t throw that away!” He was a loyal supporter of countless individuals, known for his quick wit and playful teasing, which endeared him to many. His sense of humor will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elinor Tripman, sister Kathryn Click, and several close friends, whose losses affected him deeply.
A gathering of friends and family will take place at the Train Station, located at 235 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, NC, on Friday, April 11, at 1 pm.
