Stephen Joseph Kipp, age 75, of Ventura, CA, passed away peacefully March 15, 2024, surrounded by his devoted family, daughter Patricia, son Sean, daughter-in-law Niccole and brother Mike. Born in San Diego, CA to Chuck & Pat Kipp on December 8, 1948, Stephen was raised and lived his entire life in Ventura County, a 3rd generation Ventura County local. He attended Oxnard’s Santa Clara Catholic schools K-12, graduating in 1967. He earned a myriad of certifications, CSUN: BS in Business Administration & an MBA; USC: MPA; UCLA Graduate School of Management: PFP, and earned his Lifetime Community College Teaching Credential, teaching courses at Santa Clara High School, Ventura Community College, University of La Verne, and Pacifica Christian College.
Stephen had successful public service and private sector careers: he worked for the County of Ventura offices of the Assessor, CEO, Board of Supervisors (District V), Auditor-Controller, and Sheriff. In 1984, he switched gears to the private sector’s financial services industry, creating in 1990 his own Registered Investment Advisory firm, the Kipp Financial Group, Inc. After a successful and rewarding financial services practice, he sold his practice to retire and cherish life with his beloved family, watch lots of movies, and enjoy great food and wine. Stephen was well known for his exceptional generosity, huge heart, his positivity, master problem solving skills, and incredible sense of humor. He was highly respected, admired, and inspiring to those around him, and will be greatly missed by those who knew him well.
Stephen’s passion was giving back to his Ventura County community. He served on numerous Boards of Directors and provided financial support to the Ventura College Foundation, Ventura County Museum, Ventura & Ojai Rotary Clubs, Rubicon Theater, Ventura Music Festival, New West Symphony, Salvation Army-Ventura, Ventura Education Partnership, Boys & Girls Club-Ventura, Canine Adoption & Rescue League, Focus on the Masters, San Buenaventura Foundation for the Arts, Bell Arts Factory, Ventura Botanical Gardens, Ventura Water Polo Club, and more.
Stephen is survived by his daughter Patricia Kipp Funaro (& Michael), son Sean Kipp (& Niccole), his 2 younger brothers Mike Kipp (& Michele), Ken Kipp (& Charlie), ex-wife Lynn Kipp, stepchildren Lucas Souza, Lindsay Sims, Cullen Crabbe, ex-daughter-in-law Emily Crabbe, and nephew Kevin Kipp (Crissy and 2 sons). He had 9 grandchildren: Val, Kealani & Kassandra Holland, Kristine & Tyler Kipp, Chaeli & Roxanne Crabbe, and Katherine & Ella Sims. Extended family are the Daltos, Whitmeyers, and Saracinos.
Stephen is preceded in death by his parents Chuck & Pat Kipp, and his niece Krista Kipp Dietrich (daughter of Mike Kipp).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice or those dear to Stephen’s heart.
Stephen’s family wishes to extend our immense gratitude to all the staff at
Oakmont of Riverpark Assisted Living, for the Happy years he called Oakmont home, and to Neighbor Care Hospice for their exceptional care in Stephen’s final hours, providing him with the most beautiful and peaceful transition from this earth to Heaven.
A Celebration of Life will be privately held for Stephen’s family and closest friends.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.