Ira C. ‘Skip’ Caplinger, 81, of Center Township, passed away early Wednesday morning, December 23, 2015, at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh.Born August 28, 1934, in East Rochester, he was a son of the late Ira L. and Mary Ellen (Klinesmith) Caplinger.  Raised in Center Township, Skip proudly served in the US Air Force during the Korean War.  He started his career as a brick layer at J&L Steel, Aliquippa Works, before moving on and retiring from Republic Steel in Beaver Falls.  In his leisure time Skip could be found working with wood to create keepsakes for family and friends.  He also loved fishing and was a former minor league baseball coach in Center Township.He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley A. (Bailey) Caplinger; five children, Clifford (Taina) Caplinger of Lisbon, OH, Kimberly (Steve) Cogis and Sharon Mote, both of Center Township, David (Naomi) Caplinger of Industry and Donald (Angie) Caplinger also of Center Township; 11 grandchildren, Melissa, Sean, Shayne, Pam, Danielle, Lance, Erica, David, Derek, Lorraina and Jermey; seven great-grandchildren, Zandar, Rylee, Summer, Jaclyn, McKenzie, Madisyn and Sydney and a brother, Robert (Beverly) Caplinger in FL.In addition to his parents Skip was preceded in death by five brothers, Elmer, Kenneth, Richard, Emmett and Roy.Friends will be received Sunday from 2 p.m. until a time of remembrance at 8 p.m. in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.