George Ernest Phipps

George Ernest Phipps, 88, of San Carlos, California; a native of Taunton, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, April 11, 2012 with his beloved wife by his side after battling a long illness. Born in Taunton, Massachusetts on March 15, 1924, he graduated from Taunton High School in 1940. In 1951, he relocated to California and went to work for Safeway, Inc. where he enjoyed a 52-year career with Safeway and at the time of his retirement in 2003, he was the longest tenured employee in Safeway history. Starting as a food clerk, George rose to the level of store manager. Over the course of his management career George managed nine Safeway stores on the Peninsula and East Bay. In 1988 George began his second career with Safeway transferring to the Safeway Security Department as a locksmith, a role he continued until his retirement. George was a registered master locksmith and a certified locksmith instructor. He was a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and over the years conducted workshops and classes for both seasoned and aspiring locksmiths. In addition to locksmithing and being constantly busy George enjoyed history, reading, trips to Bodega Bay, peanut brittle and taking care of his dogs. George was preceded in death by his first wife Dorothy; his second wife Doris; his brothers Albert and Bill; his sister Ruth; and his son Robert. George will forever be remembered by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Pamela; his son James Phipps and his wife, Adrienne, of Santa Clara, California; a son: Albert Phipps of Redding, California; a daughter-in-law: Esther Phipps of Lakeville, MA; his grandchildren: Marcus Phipps and his wife, Michelle, of Campbell, California, Brian Phipps and his wife, Erin, of San Jose, California; Robert Paul Phipps and his wife, Rhonda, of Taunton and Jessica Phipps of Lakeville, MA; his great-grandchildren: David and Ben Phipps, Mariah Phipps, and Eva Phipps; a sister: Louise Emond of Attleboro and several extended family members and friends. Services were held previously in California. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 12:00 Noon at St. Francis Cemetery, Taunton with the Rev. Kenneth Boyle, Pastor of the Candleberry Chapel, South Main Street, Attleboro, officiating. Burial will follow. Following cemetery services an invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of continued fellowship and refreshment. For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book located at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are entrusted to the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.