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Crime & Safety

Catholic Central, Farmington Hills, Dearborn Communities Shocked by Cipriano Murder

The death of a Farmington Hills father and the arrest of his 19-year-old son directly touches several metro Detroit communities.

This morning's , attacks on his wife, Rose, his 17-year-old son Salvatore (Sal), and have left residents in three communities shocked and saddened.

Robert Cipriano was the father of two 17-year-old twin boys, Tanner and Sal, at and the Business Services Director at Dearborn Public Schools.

Rose and Sal Cipriano are currently in critical condition at Botsford Hospital. Tanner Cipriano and an 8-year-old daughter were also in the home at the time of the attack, and escaped injury.

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The Rev. John Huber, the principal of in Novi, said he’s heartbroken by the turn of events.

“Bob was a familiar face here at school,” said Huber. “He and (his wife) were here all of the time; Bob was very active in our Dad’s Club, which raises money for families that cannot afford [tuition]. He worked security for our events and was a very, very dedicated volunteer."

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Huber added that representatives from the school, including the dean of students and the athletic director, have visited Botsford Hospital to show support for the Cipriano family.

Huber said it’s important for those who knew and loved Robert Cipriano to focus on Bob’s family as they go through what will be a difficult transition.

“Bob loved his children,” he said. “It’s a horrible tragedy, and as much as we need to remain strong for Bob’s family, this is something that’s difficult to even try to understand.”

Dearborn Public Schools employees stunned

Some had heard ominous information on television or the radio early today, but when were asked to congregate in a conference room, their worst fears were confirmed.

The district’s business services manager was considered a financial whiz who helped guide the district through rough fiscal waters for 12 years.

“There was shock, and tears, when people were told,” Dave Mustonen, the district’s spokesman, said. "They just couldn’t believe it.”

Cipriano was remembered as an amiable co-worker and friend, who preferred to work directly with principals and employees and attended games and events after hours.

“Bob made students the priority,” said Brian Whiston, the superintendent of Dearborn Schools. “If we had to make cuts he would want to know how it would impact the classroom, if we were going to spend additional dollars he wanted to make sure it was being spent to help students learn.”

Other employees also expressed their sadness, and support for the family, in social media.

Mary Burck, a resident of Farmington Hills, was one of only a handful to address Robert Cipriano's relationship with Tucker Cipriano directly.

"God bless you Bob," she wrote she wrote in a comment posted on a story in Farmington-Farmington Hills Patch. "You were one of the best fathers I have ever met. No one did more than these parents to try and help their son. Just a wonderful person and friend, always willing to mentor and help others. You and Rose never gave up, trying so hard to set things right. I will
never forget how much you both loved Tucker and how hard you tried to
help him."

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