Obituary of Bernard Leroy Shippee

Bernard L Shippee, 82, of Westbrookville, NY passed away on October 22, 2021, at Delaware Valley Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Matamoras, PA. He worked as a Microwave Field Supervisor for Western Union, MicroNet and American Tower.

Bernie was a devoted member of the North Congregational Church in Middletown, NY where he served as treasurer, deacon and choir member. He also spent many years in community service with the Lions Club.

During his time with the Lions Club, he held many positions. In 1969 he became a Lion in the newly chartered club in Shelburne Falls, MA. In 1975 he relocated to New York and became a member of the Otisville Lions Club and served a term as President. In 1985 he transferred to the Town of Deerpark Lions Club where he served terms as President, Secretary and Treasurer. He served as Secretary to New York District 20 from 2009 to 2012. In 2016, he received the Uplinger Award to celebrate his 47 years of Distinguished Service. Bernie retired from Lions after 50 plus years.

Bernie loved camping at Catamount, summer vacations, day trips in New England and winter snowmobiling.  He was a talented carpenter, woodworker, and skilled cribbage player.  He enjoyed playing music, singing and could bake a killer apple pie enjoyed by many.

Bernie was a proud United States Navy Veteran, having served from 1958 to 1962 on the USS Cromwell and USS Lester as a Sonarman Petty Officer Second Class.

The eldest son of the late Bernard H. and Winifred Louise (Decker) Shippee, he was born on March 16, 1939 in Greenfield, MA. He married the late Nettie Esther (Bardwell) Shippee in 1960 and celebrated 56 years of life together.

Bernard leaves behind his three daughters: Karen Freytag and partner Lisa Harvey of Virginia Beach, VA; Laura and husband Kerry Orben of Milford, PA; Cheryl and husband William Beglau of Leonardtown, MD; grandchildren, Jessica, Ashley, Kyle and Melissa; and great-grandchildren, Ayla, Autumn and Áedán; brother, Alan Shippee of Buckland Mass; sister, Carol Rice of Charlemont Mass. and Uncle John H Shippee Jr. of Shelburne Falls Mass. Bernie was preceded in death by his siblings, John C Shippee, Arlene Willard, Judy Tatreault, Robert Shippee and great-granddaughter Isabella Faith.

Cremation was private at the convenience to the family at MacLennan Hall Crematorium, Milford Twp., PA.

A memorial celebration will be held at North Congregational Church, 96 N Beacon Street in Middletown, NY at 11AM on Saturday, November 13, 2021.  Burial will take place at the Arms Cemetery, Route 2 in Shelburne Falls, MA at 1PM on Sunday, November 14, 2021, with a social gathering to follow at the Eagles, 52 State Street.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital www.shrinerschildrens.org,  Lions Eye Institute http://www.leialbany.org/, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters CHKD https://www.chkd.org/Support-Us/Donate-Online/ (Honoring Isabella and Autumn Carolino) or North Congregational Church Memorial Fund.

Finally, please give the gift of life and consider organ donation.

Arrangements were made by Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 W. Harford St., Milford, PA 18337 (www.stroyanfuneralhome.com).