Joel David Lipmanson, 82, major, U.S. Army, retired, died Dec. 16, 2015, Dover, Del. after a short illness. 

 Joel was born in Philadelphia, Penn., where he graduated from Central High School for Boys and Temple University. Throughout college he participated in the ROTC program, and entered the military upon graduation. It became his career. His international service included tours in Panama, Korea, Vietnam, and Germany. After retirement, Joel resided in the Newport News/Hampton/Norfolk area of Virginia until he moved to the Dover area in 2007. A 50-year, 3rd degree Mason, he was an active member of the Union Lodge AF-AM No. 7 in Dover.

 Joel was a widower. He is survived by his son, Stephen Emil Lipmanson of Hampton; daughter Susan Lipmanson Richter and son-in-law William Richter and granddaughter Meagan Richter, all of Smithfield; sister Judith E. Lipmanson Ph.D. of Smyrna, Del.; nephew Michael E. Gluck, Ph.D. of Washington, DC; niece Jennifer Leigh Gluck of Lorain, Ohio and many cousins in the Philadelphia area.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a favorite charity in his memory, such as the Smyrna Opera House, a Masonic charity, a Shiners hospital, or to any Veterans’ organization.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held in Dover shortly after the new year.