Thomas “Tad” A. Dippel was born in Pennington, N.J., on February 18, 1958, and passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at the Arbors in Shelburne, Vt.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 25 years, AJ Humphrey; his adored sons, Max and Milo Dippel, of Williston, Vt.; and his dear sister, Lisa Carlson (Marcel Washington), of Bound Brook, N.J. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Dippel and Betts Dippel (née Ruskie); and his Aunt Elva, Uncle Reg and Uncle Kenneth.
If you knew Tad, you can probably close your eyes and hear his infectious laugh. He was kind, funny and smart. He was an avid fly fisherman and a longtime member of Trout Unlimited. He was a master gardener, a Nordic ski coach, and an Alpine and Nordic skier. He loved to hike, cycle and be outdoors. He was an amateur entomologist and mycologist. He was an excellent cook, father, husband and friend. He maintained many childhood friendships, and those loyal friends supported him throughout his illness. Everyone who met him enjoyed his calm presence and his quirky sense of humor.
Before becoming a teacher, he worked at a myriad of jobs, including as a (favorite) summer camp counselor at Heart’s Bend in Newfane, Vt. He worked one summer on Nantucket and formed enduring friendships. He attended both Stockton State and Keene State, earned his bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate, and taught at the Killington Mountain School.
He earned a master’s degree in botany from the University of Vermont and taught at Orange Center School in Orange, Harwood Union in Duxbury and then for 20 years at Williston Central School, before retiring in 2018. He delighted in bringing science alive for his middle school students. Tad was a natural-born teacher, whether he was showing kids how to tie a fly, raise brook trout for release in local streams or running science experiments in his classroom.
Tad suffered from PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy), a rare neurological disorder that robs its victims of their mobility and balance. It causes severe damage to vision, as well as affecting the ability to swallow food and to speak. The beginning symptoms were subtle, and, as is often the case with this rare disease, it took time before a diagnosis could be made. He endured unimaginable difficulties and never once complained.
During the course of Tad’s illness, AJ, Max and Milo surrounded him with unwavering support. He loved them fiercely, and that love was returned in spades. His family wishes to thank the amazing staff at the Arbors who provided him with excellent and genuinely loving care.
If you want to honor Tad’s memory, go outside and do something you love. We also welcome donations in his name to CurePSP.org. There is currently no treatment or cure for this disease.
Per Tad’s request, we will hold a celebration of his life on Sunday, August 3, 2025, 2 p.m. at the Shelburne Town Hall. This is meant to be a joyous celebration of life and will be a casual affair. Light refreshments will follow, served in the Community Living Room of the Pierson Library.
at the Shelburne Town Hall
This article appears in Jul 2-8, 2025.