Peter Nicholas Ippolito, 94, of Downingtown, PA. Also known as “Rabbit”, “Mustang Pete,” and to all his children as “Pop,” was the greatest man we have ever known and loved. He was married to Julia Carmella Carbo of Norristown, PA for 55 years at the time of her passing on March 19, 2010. Peter was born on July 20, 1923 in Downingtown to Guiseppe and Maria Ippolito. He grew up on Jackson Ave, also known as “Glasstown,” with his nine sisters, his cousin Antonio DiCristofaro and his Uncle Joe. His father died in 1941 when Peter was only 18 years old, leaving his mother, Maria DiNardo Ippolito, a widow with ten children.

His first job after graduating from Downingtown High School in 1941 was as an auto body and radiator repairman. He joined the Navy in July 1943 and was honorably discharged in January 1946 as an Aviation Metalsmith. He learned to work on ships, fine-tuned his painting skills and crafted his love for automobiles, especially Mustangs. His training led him into a lifetime of auto bodywork and as a mechanic; he was the proprietor of Pete’s Body Shop in Downingtown. While raising a family of seven children, Pete found time to coach girls’ and boys’ basketball for St. Joseph Catholic School, as well as baseball at Downingtown Little League. He and Julia could be found (and heard) at all of their kid’s sporting events.

Pete is survived by son Joseph and wife Holly, daughter Sandra McCabe and husband Glenn, son Pete and wife Jocelyn, son Tony and wife Ellanna, daughter Mary Certo, son John and wife Lisa, and daughter Julie Combs and husband Mark. Grandchildren: Dan and Maggie McCabe, Gregory Rusling and Erica Bush, Jaime McCabe and Rich Picozzi, John, Domenick and Maria Certo, Jacqui and Gregg Griffin, Peter and Sophia Ippolito, Joseph Ippolito, Mark Combs, Nicholas and Grace Ippolito and Isabella Ippolito. Great Grandchildren: Samuel, Murphy and Evie McCabe. Peter is also survived by sisters Yolanda Garnett, Mary Sensening and husband John, and Theresa McClausland. In addition to his wife and parents, he was pre-deceased by his sisters Nicolette Pizii, Anna Atkins, Catherine Morley, Delia Capp, Lucia Patterson and Rose Strigo

Pete passed away on December 24, 2017 in his home surrounded by family. Special thanks to Portia, Pete’s caregiver and companion for the last ten months. We will be eternally grateful for her devotion and kindness to our father and our family.

An evening visitation will be held from 6 to 8pm on Friday, December 29th and again Saturday from 9:00 to 10:15am at St. Joseph Church, 338 Manor Ave., Downingtown, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am.

Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Downingtown.

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the Lord's Pantry, 141 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA.

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