Upon retirement in late 2014, “Grandpa Steve’s” adoration for his three granddaughters prompted his decision to move to Holly Springs, N.C. to be present in their daily lives, where he also gave immeasurable help to his daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Mike. While Steve’s heart was with his grandchildren in North Carolina in his final years, “home” remained Manassas, Va.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Warren Randolph and father, William Deming Randolph. Steve leaves behind two children, Warren “Randy” (Bradley Scarborough) Randolph of Washington, D.C. and Jennifer (Michael) Greer of Holly Springs, North Carolina; three grandchildren: Mary Alice Greer, Brooke Elizabeth Greer, and Charlotte Randolph Greer; siblings: William (Lynda) Randolph of Miami Springs, Florida and Rebecca (Edward Mecsery) Randolph of Miami Springs, Florida, as well as eight adored nieces and nephews, nine great nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Ron was born December 2, 1958 in Philadelphia PA. He attended the University of Miami, Oberlin College and the San Francisco Conservatory where he studied with his mentor and musical father, Marc Lifschey of the Cleveland Orchestra. Ron held many Principal Oboe positions in various orchestras including the National Gallery Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfonica de Castilla Y Leon (Valladolid Spain), Orquesta del Estado de Mexico and was a founding member of the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas. Ron also was an exquisite chamber music musician and soloist throughout most of his life.

In October 2012, Ron Sipes became a two time stroke survivor. He endured two strokes, four brain surgeries and a variety of medical challenges. And he persevered. He Lived. He became Twice Born as each layer of himself was chipped away and his Essence emerged. Ron was a champion of Determination and pursued every therapy and experience to improve himself and to reach Wholeness. He never balked at a new adventure in the pursuit of progress.