Michael J. Kripner's Obituary
Michael James Kripner
Michael James Kripner, 68, of Willingboro passed away peacefully on November 9th following a brief illness.
He was born in Wadena, Minnesota to Peter J. and Velma F. (Shilling) Kripner, the youngest of three children. Due to his father’s job with RCA, the family relocated from Minnesota to Oklahoma, New York, Florida, Kansas, Texas, Maryland, and New Jersey. In June 1978, Michael graduated from the Bowie Special Center in Maryland. He and his father then moved to Edgewater Park, New Jersey and he became a client of the Occupational Training Center (OTC) of Burlington County. Michael started in the Benchwork Program and then transferred to the newly created recycling program. He retired from the Burlington County Recycling Center in January 2023, after 41 years, as one of the longest serving clients of the facility. He returned to the Benchwork Program and was actively employed there until his death.
Michael was active in the Special Olympics in Maryland and New Jersey, excelling in bocci and bowling, receiving many medals. If it was Sunday, it was bowling day. He was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan and enjoyed his collection of memorabilia from both teams. For over 35 years Michael and his father were Phillies season ticket holders.
In 2013, upon his father’s death, Michael lived independently in Lumberton, with the aid of the Burlington County ARC and his wonderful van drivers, Darryl and Rick. He was very proud to have his own apartment. Shortly after his retirement from the Recycling Center, he moved to an OTC group home in Willingboro.
He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his beloved sisters Judy Kripner Elrod of Lewes, Delaware and Nancy J. Kripner of Crofton, Maryland; his niece Jennie Higgs Woody (Mitch) of Fairfax, Virginia; several cousins; and his “family” at the OTC group home, his three housemates, and the wonderful staff who went above and beyond in his last few weeks, Crystal, Tamia, Farrah, Annette, Kolleen, Kaya, Varian, Yeefern and Rafiu.
Michael was Mr. Congeniality, and everyone was his friend. He will be greatly missed by his many friends, co-workers, neighbors, and family.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Sunday, November 24th at Givnish of Cinnaminson, 1200 Route 130 North, from 10:00-11:30 open casket visitation, 11:30-12:00 closed casket visitation, with his funeral services beginning at 12:00pm. His services will be live streamed on the following link:
https://www.viewlogies.net/givnish/SwvY2jbiy?pin=134153
Burial will take place at a later date in Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The OTC of Burlington County – Group Homes, 2 Manhattan Drive, Burlington Township, NJ 08016.
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