Joe Cippel Foundation Fund

Joe was a graduate of Ford City High School, Class of 1950, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Class of 1956. He served in the Army from 1956-1958, stationed in Korea. 

Joe began his employment at Klingensmith's at the age of 12. He continued to work for J. Henry Klingensmith "Kling" throughout high school. After graduating from Ford City High School, in 1950. 

Joe earned his Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from the University of Pittsburgh. He was drafted into the Army and did his tour of duty, 1956-58, initially at Fort Lewis, Wash., and in Korea. He returned home to work for Kling. He married his loving wife, Janet Mechling, on April 18, 1959. Kling sold his store in Ford City to Joe in 1972. After taking over ownership of Klingensmith's, Joe continued to expand the business. He purchased a pharmacy in Leechburg in 1974, attaching the Klingensmith's name. 

Currently, there are seven locations serving the surrounding communities. Joe was also very active in other business dealings in the area. He started a durable medical equipment company as well as a long-term care pharmacy. In 1967, he was a founding member of the Lenape Heights Development Corporation. His leadership led the expansion project of the clubhouse and back nine of the golf course. He was elected to the board of directors of the Value Drug Company (Altoona, Pa.) in 1981, where he served for 34 years until his retirement in 2015. 

He received the following recognitions: Ford City Area Hall of Fame-1986 and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Distinguished Alumnus Award-1988. Joe was an active member of Christ Prince of Peace Parish. 

He was a role model to numerous pharmacy students and entrepreneurial pharmacists throughout his career. He took pride in employing hundreds of local residents. He cherished the winter months and summer vacations with his family at his home in Moss Creek (Hilton Head, S.C.). He enjoyed golfing with his sons, grandsons, and friends. Joe loved all Pittsburgh sports. He was a season ticket holder for Pitt football, the Steelers, and the Penguins. He attended Pirate World Series Games in 60, 71 and 79. He traveled to Miami to see the Steelers win Superbowl X. Joe never forgot his humble boyhood, losing his father at age 10 and growing up with his mother on Sixth Ave., in Ford City. 

His outgoing nature and sense of humor enabled him to mentor and inspire many young people, as well as foster true, lifelong friendships with countless others.