Christopher Robin Cipponeri

Christopher Robin Cipponeri ("Cipp") had two major focus points in his life: serving his country and raising his children. He described himself as "proud single father with a purpose... Combat veteran, man with a goal, and an entrepreneur." Unfortunately, his tragic death on June 16, 2016 cut his goal short. Cipp was born in Napa, California, on July 22, 1983. The terror attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, caused him to enlist in the Army in service of his country. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, as a 14S Avenger Crew member in Battery A, 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment. While in Afghanistan, he had numerous opportunities in a variety of emergency medical situations. He received several service awards, including a Good Conduct Medal, 2 Army Commendation Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Cipp also worked with Operation Dreamseed, delivering school supplies to Afghan children. After sustaining a knee injury, he was honorably discharged from the Army, with the rank of an E-4 Specialist. Upon leaving the military Cipp worked at multiple jobs, including Amazon and Network Marketing, while attending medical assistant training. He eventually ended up as a medical supply technician at the Phoenix Veterans Administration Medical Center. His affinity for the veterans and desire to continue serving were a good fit He was very proud of his military service, and always wished he could have continued to serve. Tattoos on his forearms proclaimed "American" "Soldier". Cipp was a faithful supporter of Jeff "Soldier Hard" Barillaro and his group Redcon-1, as well as "The Forgotten Infidels", organized by his friend Seth McBride. Seth generously donated the customized urn for Cipp's family and the keepsakes for his children. Cipp was determined to be a loving, involved father to his children: Jessica and Jazmin Mendez (with former wife Lynette Mendez); and Angel Raymond Gonnie-Cipponeri and Xavier Christian Gonnie-Cipponeri (with Gabrielle L. Gonnie). He was constantly looking to improve his livelihood to better provide for them. He took the boys to church regularly at CCV (Church of Christ of the Valley). He loved swimming, barbecuing, video games, and Starbucks, where his drink of choice (several times a day) was an iced venti caramel macchiato, stirred not shaken, with a double shot. His family also includes his mother, Marilyn Macri, sisters Jackie (Scot) Norton and Mindy (Greg) Harp, and brother Zach Meyers, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Friends and acquaintances knew Cipp as an upbeat, positive motivator. Among his advice to others, he said, "Appreciate the little things. Those little things that make you happy, those people who make you laugh and smile. Learn from the past, don't let it define you or break you. Things in life happen for a reason. Always make the most of what you have. Show the people in your life how much you appreciate them. Stay smiling and make the most of your life -- make it what you want it to be, and never take the little things for granted." Other mottos were FNO (failure's no option) and "priorities over pleasure". A memorial service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, 10702 W. Peoria Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351, at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 30. For more information about the groups that were close to Cipp's heart, go to www.redcon1musicgroup.com; Forgotten Infidels@facebook.com; and Operation Dreamseed (www,stripes.com/news/army-captain-s-idea-blossoms-in-Afghanistan-1.28023r). A fund for his children's benefit has been set up at Bank of the West; donations can be made to the "Christopher Cipponeri Memorial Fund." Rest in peace, Warfighter.

Christopher Robin Cipponeri

July 22, 1983 - June 16, 2016