Note: Johnny Lipinski attended WPSD from the time of his enrollment until his passing in the seventh grade.
John J. “Johnny” Lipinski III, age 14, of North Irwin, died Thursday, November 5, 2026 at UPMC Children’s Hospital after a lifelong battle with CNKSR2. Johnny was born July 13, 2012 in Monroeville, a son of Julia J. (Baker) Lipinski and the late John J. Lipinski Sr.
Johnny attended the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Swissvale.
In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his brother John Joseph Lipinski Jr., an uncle Joseph Pronesti, and his therapy dog Pinky. In addition to his mother he is survived by his sisters Rosemary and Abigail; his grandfather Benjamin Baker; his Papa and best friend Kevin McGovern; his cousins Alex and Bex Lipinski.
The family would like to thank the nurses and medical staff at UPMC Children’s Hospital, 8th floor unit B, Dr. Jenna Gaesser, all the teachers and staff at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, and Stacey Snyder, Director of Special Education at Norwin School District, for all the kind and compassionate care. A very special thank you to aide Seth Podalsky and former aide David Zurawski, and to teachers Wendy Auden and Shelly Ryan and his nurses Orville, Eric, Don, and Rita.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Sunday November 15, 2026, at the Western Pennsylvania School for the deaf, 300 East Swissvale Ave., Swissvale, PA 15218. The William Snyder Funeral Home, Irwin is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution of non-perishable food items in Johnny’s name that will be given to the local food bank.
The donation can be made at the W. Pa. School for the Deaf or dropped off at The William Snyder Funeral Home, 521 Main St., Irwin, PA 15642. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.
Memorial Service: Sunday November 15, 2026 from 10:30am to 11:00am at Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, 300 East Swissvale Ave, Swissvale, PA, 15218.
Source: William Snyder Funeral Home
