Carl L. Flipp

Carl L. “Papa” Flipp, 92, of South Weymouth passed away at home after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family on November 22, 2023.

Devoted husband of the late Constance "Lady" Flipp for 64 beautiful years. Beloved father to the late David Flipp; Bruce Flipp and his late wife Lorraine of Weymouth; the late Cynthia Flipp; Colleen Casey and her husband Steve of Whitman; Colin Michael Flipp and his wife Maura of Hanson; Brian Flipp and his wife Lainie of Weymouth; Cathy Buccheri and her husband Peter of Halifax; Allison Wooten and her late husband Tom of Gilford, NH; and Connie Dabek and her husband Brian of Weymouth. Dear brother-in-law of Marty Murphy and his late wife Denise of South Yarmouth. Cherished "Papa" to the late Samantha Wooten and the late Jack Crimmins; as well as his other 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Adored uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Carl, born in Joshua, TX lived in various states throughout his youth with his mother, Carrie, and his 8 siblings. After staying with his oldest sister Louise and her husband Charlie in Ohio, he and his mother hitch-hiked to Massachusetts to stay with relatives. Eventually landing in Weymouth, Carl forged his birth certificate to enlist in the Navy at the young age of 16 years old. He trained in radio school in Norfolk, VA, and became a radio operator aboard the destroyer USS Robert McCard 822. The ship's homeport was in Newport, RI. Carl would often spend his leave time back in Weymouth. It was during one of these times, on August 2, 1950, that he met a beautiful girl named Connie. It was a true "love at first sight" romance. Two years later, on November 1st, 1952 they married and shared an extraordinary and inspiring partnership that saw them through 64 wonderful years together. After their wedding, Carl was recalled to the Navy and found himself aboard the destroyer USS Hale 642 during the Korean War. Discharged in 1954, Carl and Connie set up a homestead in Weymouth and introduced 9 children into their world in just 11 years. Carl would often boast about the fact that his wife could not see her feet during those 11 years.

Shortly after marrying the love of his life, Carl began his journey in catering. In partnership with his father-in-law, Thomas Curran, together they established Leighton's Catering, a full-service catering business. Following Tom's retirement, Carl transitioned the company to specializing in traditional old-fashioned New England clambakes and barbeques, rebranding the business as Leighton's Clambakes. Carl successfully owned and operated Leighton's out of his commissary in Kingston, MA for over 50 years. His signature clam chowder received many accolades over the years and became synonymous with his name, even seeing some local dignitaries calling in with their requests for special orders. Every Memorial Day you would find Carl on Nantucket Island hosting the Figawi Race Weekend. Springtime would find him in Florida making sure the Red Sox had a proper New England meal while in training. Over the summer months, you would find him at The Kennedy Compound, The JFK Library, and The New England Aquarium, to name a few, and just about everywhere else throughout New England during those busy months. Carl's livelihood afforded him the blessing of life-long friendships. From the countless local kids he employed to the great many people he had met through his working relationships, Carl had a special way of drawing those around him in. He became a true mentor to so many and a genuine friend to most. It was something he had always cherished throughout his lifetime.

During his interim each year, Carl and Connie would escape to their favorite place on earth, Sanibel Island, FL. They spent their time there reconnecting, shelling, relaxing on the beach, reading books, playing cards on the lanai, boat rides, karaoke at McT’s, cocktails at sunset (or maybe just a little bit earlier), and making great memories with their family and friends, old and new. They were blessed to enjoy close to 40 years at this very special place.

When at home, Carl was busy working in the yard alongside his wife helping to bring her visions to life. Everyone loved to stop by for a little "table time" under the gazebo amongst Lady's spectacular and numerous flower gardens while listening to the waterfall koi ponds. Truly a labor of love, their backyard was a magical place to be. It was the place that saw 3 of their children’s marriages celebrated.

Carl lived a full, admirable, and love-filled life. Although he will be missed dearly, there is peace in our hearts knowing he is finally with his Lady again.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for this special man. Share a story. Share a hug. Maybe tip a drink in true “Papa” fashion. We will be honoring Carl on Friday, January 26th at the Weathervane Golf Club Tavern at 117 Clubhouse Drive in South Weymouth, MA from 4-8 pm. We look forward to sharing this very special event with you.