| Date of Birth | July 20, 1945 |
| Date Deceased | January 21, 2022 |
| Hometown | Bath |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | January 27, 2022 |
| Service Time | 2 PM |
| Service Location | Bath National Cemetery |
| Interment Location | Bath National Cemetery |
Jay Rhinehart Kipfer
BATH – “The American flag does not fly because the wind moves it…rather, it flies with the last breath of each soldier who has died defending it.”
The flag flew a little straighter as Jay R. Kipfer took his last breath on Friday, January 21, 2022, at the VA’s Community Living Center in Bath, NY. His death was attributable to complications due to dementia. Jay was born on July 20, 1945.
As a young man, Jay proudly served his country from April 1964 to July 1977. He was a medic in the Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded several medals and commendations for his outstanding bravery. At one time he could vividly describe navigating to the battle scene with “his boys” to bring medical treatment to his wounded fellow soldiers.
In May 2008, Jay moved from the Bixby Home in Ovid, NY, to the Pinecrest Home for Adults in Avoca, NY. There, he was able to enjoy the companionship of Angel, his tiny Chihuahua. He took wonderful care of her. He loved to fill the home’s birdfeeders and watch the birds feed. He also spent countless hours coloring in nature scenes for his poster art collection, which he proudly displayed on his bedroom walls. While at the Pinecrest Home, he was always quick to lend a helping hand and showed much appreciation for any small thing done for him.
In 2012 Jay began a new chapter in his life at the VA’s Community Living Center where the staff compassionately cared for him as his health declined. The NY Giants have lost a life-long fan.
Unfortunately, as his disease progressed, it became impossible for him to recall the stories of his youth, his military service, his adult life, or the names and faces of his friends. But the twinkle never left his bright blue eyes and let you know he had probably gotten into a lot of mischief throughout his life. We are all diminished by the passing of this quiet, unassuming man who so proudly served his country during an unpopular war.
Burial will be at the National Cemetery on the grounds of the VA in Bath on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 2 PM with full military honors. Memorials may be made in Jay’s name to the “General Fund #1416”. Checks should be made payable to the Bath VA or Voluntary Service and mailed to: Bath VAMC, Attn: Voluntary Service, 76 Veterans Ave, Bath, NY 14810.
The Bishop & DeSanto (formerly Avoca) Funeral Home, 22 N. Main Street, Avoca is honored to assist Jay’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Jay are welcome on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
