Obituary of Carl Alan Lipsit

Carl Alan Lipsit, COL (USA Retired) 1959-2013 Sterling, VA – On Wednesday, November13,2013, Retired Army Colonel Carl Alan Lipsit, 54 of Sterling, VA, passed away unexpectedly while on assignment in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery after a Service of Remembrance at the Old Post Chapel at Ft. Myer, Arlington, VA, at a future date.Carl, a military brat, was born in Charleston, S.C. His family moved to Orlando, Florida where he graduated from Oak Ridge High School. Carl was a 1982 ROTC graduate from the University of Florida. Upon graduation, he received his commission as an officer in the United States Army. Carl entered the service as an Infantry Officer receiving his Ranger tab and Airborne qualification. Colonel Lipsit finished his active duty career as the Project Manager Soldier Weapons in 2008. During his career Carl and his family were stationed in several cities throughout the United States as well serving abroad in Italy and Germany. He was awarded numerous awards and decorations including: Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1stMedal).When asked how long he served in the Army, his response was “26 years, 5 months and 28 days, but who’s counting?”Upon retiring Carl and his family moved to Sterling, VA where he started his second career with Ideal Innovations Incorporated. Carl had an unmatched determination and gave his all to complete an assignment, task or commitment. He instilled the love of reading in his daughter and was actively involved with his son’s soccer team. Carl loved to grill out with friends, was an ardent Gators fan, and he could smell a Chick-fil-A miles away. To his family he left behind a legacy built on integrity, loyalty and love. All will miss his kindness, love, laugh, hugs, smiles and sense of humor. He was proceeded in death by his parents, John and LaNita Lipsit. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Cross Lipsit, his children, Sarah Anne and Robert Brice, his brother Greg Lipsit and sister-in-law Kathy. He is also survived by 3 of his closest friends – his dogs: Muddy, Cooper and Ollie. The family wants to thank everyone for their kind wishes, prayers and pictures. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to The Fisher House, 111 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD or online at www.fisherhouse.org/ donate.