For Rochester Area Residents, the Lipuma Name is Synonymous with Coney Island
Salvatore “Bill” Giuseppe Lipuma, Age 89 of Oakland Township passed away on December 3, 2020. Born December 15, 1930, Bill was a devoted husband of Mary for 65 years. Dear father of Marie (John) Russo, Tony (Jodi) Lipuma, and Andrea (Douglas) Lipuma Brown. Adored grandfather of Maria, Salvatore, Stephanie (Brett), Sophia, Meghan, Lisa, and Sophie. Brother of Mary Jankowski, Santa Miserendino, Rose Regner, and Josephine McLauchlan.
Visitation will be December 10 followed by a funeral mass at St. Andrew Catholic Church. Details on the Modetz Funeral Home Website.
Bill Lipuma founded Lipuma’s Coney Island in 1969
After successfully opening six restaurants in the Metro Detroit area, Bill wanted to go where no Coney Island went before, good ole’ Rochester, Michigan. Bill found a location in the heart of Downtown Rochester on the Paint Creek River, where you can hear the ducks quacking.
Bill has not only created a landmark in Rochester, but a joint with personality, and most importantly, soul. The one word Bill uses to describe his immense success with Lipuma’s … is “family.”
After about 30 years of opening his business, Bill passed on the restaurant to his son, Tony Lipuma. Tony has been working at Lipuma’s for as long as he could remember. He grew up with “greasy fingers” and has loved running the business since day one.
Lipuma’s Coney Island website
Tony’s Announcement on Social Media
“I am so deeply heartbroken to say yesterday I lost my dad who was a wonderful father, my best friend and mentor. This man was full of life and touched so many people in so many ways. This man taught me so much, but most importantly how to work hard and provide for my family. His family was his life and all the times we had together I will cherish forever. I will miss him sitting in his chair at the coney, but his legacy will continue for years to come. He was a legend. Now it’s time for him to rest and no more suffering. He would always say to everyone, there are no goodbyes, it’s I’ll see you later. I will forever miss you and love you. Rest In Peace Dad.”
Tony Lipuma
From Lipuma’s Coney Island
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Bill Lipuma. He was cherished by so many in the Rochester community and we are so thankful he created an establishment that brought family and friends together. For those that were blessed to know him realize that he will be remembered as the coney island legend who always had a story to tell, advice to give, and a huge loving warm heart.
He loved his family deeply, along with the city of Rochester which he called home for over 50 years. As the years have passed, there often wouldn’t be a day without Bill sitting in his corner booth talking to the customers, lending a helping hand, organizing the back room, and making sure his son Tony was continuing the tradition. We will deeply miss him, however, we are strongly committed to upholding the legacy he built.
In the coming days, a tribute to Bill will be located in front of the restaurant along Main Street for you to share your memories and how Lipuma’s has become a part of your family as well.
Thank you for your constant commitment to our restaurant and may we always remember how special Bill was to all of us.
The Lipuma Family
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