John Clipper III - May 15, 2025

John Clipper III, 75, of Allentown, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 15, 2025. He was the devoted husband of Joan D. (Houseknecht) Clipper, with whom he recently celebrated 45 wonderful years of marriage. Born in Williamsport to the late John Clipper II and Thelma (Hughes) Clipper, John was a man of quiet strength, deep convictions, and a steadfast dedication to justice and community. During his college years, he attended Lycoming College and Howard University, where he became a member of the Freedom Riders. His commitment to civil rights led to his arrest in Alabama while registering voters—an act that reflected the courage and integrity that would define his life. He later graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Political Science. John’s impact on his community was profound. Recognized by the Williamsport Jaycees as Young Man of the Year in 1974, he later went on to serve as President of the Board for the Bethune-Douglas Community Center. His leadership was instrumental in bringing the center to life—a place that would serve and uplift countless families. John spent 38 years with PPL in the Human Resources and Development Department, where his dedication to helping others grow professionally left a lasting legacy. While John achieved much in his professional and civic life, his greatest joy came from his family. He was a loving husband, a proud father, and a deeply devoted grandfather. His son John Robert and grandchildren Justin and Jamie, were the light of his life. Nothing made him happier than cheering them on at track, baseball or soccer, sharing stories from his youth, or simply being with them. John will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for his kindness, wisdom, and the deep and abiding love he had for those around him. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His family would like to thank the staff of Lehigh Valley Hospice for all their love and support during John’s illness.

He is survived by his beloved wife Joan; son, John Robert Clipper and his wife Jill of Allentown; sisters, Lucille Evans of Williamsport and China Neal of Anaheim, CA; and his cherished grandchildren, Justin and Jamie. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Clipper.

Services: A celebration of John’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 22nd at Stephens Funeral Home, Inc., 274 North Krocks Road, Allentown. Friends and family are invited to call from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777.