More the 100 people, including police officers from across the state and Marines, paid respects to fallen Oakdale Police Officer Charles G. Stipetich on Saturday.
Stipetich, 23, was fatally shot on July 3 while off duty in what police described as a road rage incident. He lived in Blawnox, and graduated from Fox Chapel in 2017. A Marine Corps veteran, Stipetich had recently started at Oakdale Police Department as an officer.
Stipetich’s funeral service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Glenshaw started at 11 a.m. with a procession of police motorcycles and cars, followed by family and friends.
Stipetich was then carried into the church by a Marine honor guard, who were led into the building by an Allegheny County Sheriff playing the bagpipes. Officers surrounded the sidewalk and road and saluted Stipetich.
During the service, Stipetich’s father, Charles P. Stipetich, spoke to the attendees.
“Please hug your children, because tomorrow is not guaranteed,” he said.
