Carol Pipia

Carol Terese (George) Pipia, 86, of Beaver Dam, passed away Friday, July 26th, 2024 in her home, peacefully surrounded by her loving family on her own terms. 

Carol was born March 7th, 1938 to parents Clarence and Agnes (Percente) George in Milwaukee, WI. She was raised in Milwaukee’s Third Ward Italian neighborhood on the east side. On March 20th, 1954, she was united in marriage to Frank Pipia where they shared 56 loving years together. The couple migrated to the south side where they built their home. 

Carol was a skilled meat wrapper by trade and worked many years for Sentry Foods in Milwaukee. In addition, Carol was a skilled business woman. In 1977 the “Italian Rose” was designed by her husband. The logo of italian culture representing strength and beauty was established. Due to the design’s natural success, C.T.P. (Carol T. Pipia) Enterprises was created. Forest Home Ave was the homeplace for many more designs created. Alongside C.T.P. Enterprises was Pipia’s Italian Deli, due to an available storefront on the same street. While her husband was operating C.T.P., Carol ran the deli which was irresistible to people passing by. Nearly everything in the deli was $1.50, because as Carol would say, “It was easy to remember,”. Soon after, the deli added an adjoining restaurant where customers could enjoy Carol’s Italian cooking on the spot. Once the couple retired in the 1980’s and the businesses were sold, they relocated to Fox Lake, WI. During the winters, Carol and her husband would often travel to Florida to relax and spend time with lifelong friends. Carol’s strong work ethic resulted in post-retirement roles such as Deli Manager at Sentry Foods of Beaver Dam as well as Piggly Wiggly. 

After her husband’s passing, Carol relocated to Beaver Dam. She would enjoy playing ‘Hand and Foot’ with her friends. She frequented the YMCA for pool time and coffee clutches. Mostly enjoyed family functions around her grandkids and extended family. She would spend weekends at her son’s home where she cooked, grilled, listened to oldies, and had a few beers. Don’t forget about the movies! During those weekends, Carol would reminisce about the old days, especially about those she loved and missed. 

Carol made a special connection to anyone she met and this was due to her honest opinion and caring soul. This honesty will be missed, as she delivered the truth whether someone liked it or not - ranging from your shirt to making her proud. She truly loved everyone and would help anyone who needed it. No one missed a meal on Carol’s watch! She was everyone's advocate for good things and achievements. 

Carol was a woman of God. She frequented the Catholic church and later attended Edgewood Community Church when she was able. Carol lived by her words and belief, “Through the power of God anything is possible, reachable, and doable,”. Her acts of kindness were always genuine. Below is a quote she had hand written on the front page of her Bible,                 

“I could have been kinder, it's easy to see. 

I could have made time for just you and me. 

We shouldn’t put anger before love. 

Life is too short, 

Nothing is worse than feeling that it’s too late. 

There are no second chances so make use of today - 

Go to your loved ones - 

Tell them you love them - 

Don’t be put off - they won’t always be there. 

You never know if you’ll get the chance again.”                                                                                                                             

Carol is survived by her son, Anthony (Lori) Pipia; grandchildren, Antonio (Hanna) Pipia, Gino (Amber Horton) Pipia, Tanner (Valeria ZIntz) Fandrich, great-granddaughter Isabella Mae, and nieces; Cristine (Neil) Krueger Radonski, Kim Fletcher, Donna (Bill) Janos, and Nancy (Tony) Krueger.

Preceded in death by her parents, loving husband Frank B. Pipia Sr., son Salvatore M. Pipia, sister, Elaine Krueger, and niece Natalie Krueger. 

A private event will be held in honor of Carol T. Pipia, per her special request. She only wants her family to enjoy a peaceful day honoring her memory by talking about how much she loved everyone and sharing happy memories. Carol also asked all her friends and family to share their kindness as she did in life to positively impact others.