Michael B. Tripp

Michael "Mike" Tripp, 69, formerly of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and a resident of The Villages, Florida, since 2018, left us far too soon on September 4, 2026, in Leesburg, Florida. Born December 10, 1956, in Abilene, Texas, Mike was the son of the late Conrad Tripp and the late Irene (Cressman) Tripp. He graduated from Nazareth Area High School and studied at Northampton Community College. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Kelly; his sons, Christopher and his wife, Melissa, of Breinigsville, and Steven and his wife, Ashley, of Bath; his five grandsons, Christopher, Matthew, Jack, Max and Ryan; his brothers, Dave and his wife, Christine, and Doug and his wife, Cindy, both of Nazareth; his stepsister, Melissa Francis and her fiancé, Matt Monroe; stepbrother Philip Maldonado, stepmom Patricia, loving members of the Van Horn family; numerous nieces and nephews; many dear friends; and his faithful dog companion, Tailor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Irene Tripp, and his brother, Jeffrey. Mike spent 30-plus years with Owens & Minor in Allentown, where he served as General Manager and built many lasting friendships that continued well beyond his retirement. Mike raised his family in Moore Township before later returning to Nazareth. The last 25 years of his life brought a wonderful new chapter with his wife, Kelly. Together, they built a home in Nazareth and shared 21 years of marriage, creating a life centered around family, friends and simply enjoying being together. They were partners and best friends who truly loved life and quite literally went through it hand in hand. In 2018, Mike and Kelly made The Villages, Florida, their full-time home, and Mike embraced everything about their life there. He had seemingly endless energy and was rarely sitting still. An avid golfer, Mike played several times a week with a close group of friends and even returned to work part-time as a golf course starter and ambassador. He loved his golf carts, boating with Kelly and friends, Phillies baseball, Penn State football and wrestling, classic rock, and evenings spent together listening to live music at The Villages' town squares. Mike also became his family's unofficial expert on all things The Villages. A visit often included a golf-cart tour, an update on what was being built or what was coming next, or simply a drive to explore another corner of the community. It was quintessential Mike - curious, social and always ready to see what was around the next corner. Those who knew him will remember his big, sometimes goofy smile and an infectious laugh that could become completely uncontrollable. Mike was kind, helpful and loyal. He had a few close and dear friendships that he treasured, and once you were part of Mike's life, you knew you could count on him. Above everything else, Mike loved his family. As a husband, his love and devotion to Kelly were unmistakable. She was his partner through the life they built together and the many memories they made along the way. As a father, Mike led by example. He worked incredibly hard, expected a lot and instilled in his sons many of the values that would stay with them throughout their lives. Being "Grandpa" brought Mike tremendous joy. He loved his five grandsons and remained actively involved in their lives, whether golfing together, heading to Phillies spring training, taking golf-cart rides or simply spending time with them. His devotion to family extended to his nephews and to Kelly's family, including her brothers, nieces and nephews. Mike also had an extraordinary love for animals, especially his dogs. Jeter, Cory and Dexter were cherished parts of his life over the years, and his beloved Tailor was never far from his side. Mike was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Nazareth and had a spiritual relationship with God. His family struggles with losing a man who had so much energy, so much life still to live and so much love surrounding him. Alongside that grief is their faith and the belief that perhaps Mike was called for a purpose beyond what those of us left here can understand. We would have kept him here much longer if we could. Instead, his family will carry forward what he gave them: his work ethic, his loyalty, his love of family, his enthusiasm for life, and the memory of that big smile and unmistakable laugh.  A celebration for family and friends in Florida will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Sumter County, 994 CR 529A, Lake Panasoffkee, FL. 33538, in honor of Mike's lifelong love of animals.