Charles A. Lipot Memorial

Dr. Charles A. Lipot, Lt. Col. USMC. (Ret) – May 22, 1918- November 5, 1983

Chuck passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack. He was interred in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, on the Marine Corps birthday – 10 November, next to two daughters who preceded him. In June 1982, he retired as an administrator from Orange Coast College after thirteen years of service. At the time of his death, he was enrolled in three classes at OCC. Education was of prime interest to him and each of his eight children had the opportunity to obtain college degrees and have a profession.

His primary goal had been medicine, but the funds depleted and with World War II imminent, he entered the United States Marine Corps in 1941, receiving his gold bars three months later. Education was an integral part of service life—as a student and an instructor. He learned the art of survival in the jungle heat of the South Pacific where his tour of duty lasted twenty-seven months. A few years later, he learned a different type of survival in the frozen hills of Korea. His involvement with students included serving as a member of school boards, president of high school P.T.A., advisory board member for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and he held an Honorary Life Membership in P.T.A. There were many correspondence courses he completed over the years. While in Iwakuni Japan, he taught English to high school students as a volunteer and learned Japanese in return.

When he retired in 1963, it was no surprise the he returned to school, specializing in education. He received his Master’s degree at CSULB and obtained his elementary and secondary credentials. While teaching Biology at Paramount High School, he worked on his doctorate at UCLA receiving his degree in 1970. He believed that education should be an ongoing part of life.

He was a gentleman who held honesty and integrity to be all important. His faith in God was strong and a source of strength for him. He was “a best friend” to everyone from his youngest grandchild to his wife and he is sorely missed.