"Love isn't a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now." - Fred Rogers


Michael Lipinski of Toronto, Canada formerly of Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville), PA. passed away suddenly at home on Friday March 5th, 2021. He was just sixty years of age.

Mike was born on December 19th, 1960 in the historic 39th Street area of Lawrenceville and was the youngest son of Louis and Margaret (Jean) Hammill Lipinski. He attended preschool and elementary school in the serene Arsenal Park locale and was selected as a regular participant in Mister Rodgers’ Neighborhood children’s television show. Mike’s participation in Mister Rodger’s Neighborhood was highlighted on television and in documentary films.

Following in his sibling’s footsteps Mike graduated from Lawrenceville Catholic High School in 1973, where he was an accomplished athlete.

Armed with an undergraduate degree from La Roche University Mike set off to Worcester, MA. where he took on the challenging role of supervising a residential program for severely disabled adults. This experience served as a catalyst for what would become his lifelong passion for reintegration of the disabled and chronically mentally ill as valued community members.

Mike attended the University of Pittsburgh, School of Health and Rehabilitative Sciences, and completed his graduate studies in vocational rehabilitation focused on individuals with psychiatric disabilities and other behavioral health concerns.

Following completion of his graduate degree Mike and Colleen were married and established their home in Toronto. He was hired by the Canada Mental Health Association of Ontario to assist clients with employment opportunities.
At the Covenant House and then at the Dixie-Bloor Neighborhood Center, Mike had a special connection with young people empowering them to make informed choices in their lives.
Mike’s love for his family will always be imprinted in the hearts of his beloved wife of 29 years Colleen (O’Connor) Lipinski and their two sons James and Connor. Mike exemplified devotion and commitment to his family. His legacy will continue to be a guiding light for Colleen and the boys; his enduring love will always show them the way forward in life.

Mike is also survived by his sister Barbara (Robert) Kengor of Pittsburgh, PA. and two brothers, Louis Lipinski Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA., and John (Linda) Lipinski of Fort Myers, FL., and his sister-in-law Barbara Lipinski of West Middlesex, PA. He was a devoted son-in-law to Catherine (Horan) O’Connor of Beaconsfield, Quebec, and brother-in-law to Catherine O’Connor and Tom Graham of Hull, MA., Patricia O’Connor and Yuji Yokoyama of Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, and James F. O’Connor Jr. of Fort Lauderdale, FL./Big Indian, NY.

Mike was the cherished Uncle of Will Kengor (Antoinette), Molly Kengor, Samuel Lipinski, Amanda Winters (Christopher), Jonathan Lipinski (Amanda), Lindsay Lipinski, Summer Lee Graham, Kenny Graham, Yuji O’Connor Yokoyama, Yuri O’Connor Yokoyama, Angela Lindsay, Justin Lindsay, Benjamin (Gina) Sochor and John Sochor.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Thomas Lipinski of West Middlesex, PA. and his father-in-law James F. O’Connor of Beaconsfield, Quebec.

In honor of Mike’s lifetime of service to vulnerable community members and at-risk youth the family appreciatively suggests that memorial contributions be made to:
Estelle S. Campbell Boys & Girls Club of Lawrenceville
4600 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201
(412) 682-4013
Fax (412) 682-0241
ESC@bgcwpa.org

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.etouch.ca

Funeral service and internment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery will be private.