Bert Harvey Shipman

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Bert Harvey Shipman who left us on March 31, 2025 at the age of 75. Although our hearts are broken, we are filled with gratitude for the many ways he touched our lives. Bert was the son of Lewis and Priscilla Shipman and one of five brothers (John, Charles, Henry and twin brother Fred). He was a husband to his late wife (Valerie), a father of two daughters (Lisa and Emily) and a grandfather of 5 (Carter, Anna, Katherine, Nora and Graham). His daughters will cherish their memories of playtime on the carpet after work, chicken fights in the pool, roses every Birthday and stories at bedtime. His unconditional and constant love for family never wavered and his grandchildren will carry this legacy through their memories of him. Bert held a steadfast belief in the value of hard work and the importance of earning an honest living. After graduating with a bachelor's degree from Widener University and a Business Administration Certificate from the Wharton Management Program, he embarked on a distinguished 40-year career in banking. Over those years, he held various positions, rising from branch manager to executive, working for prominent institutions such as Mellon, First Union, Wachovia, and Wells Fargo. Bert’s genuine and personal connections made him a friend to many, and the long lasting bonds he formed over the years with highschool friends, neighbors and colleagues were a testament to his character. All who were lucky enough to know Bert, were given the gift of laughter. His sense of humor was a well established part of his reputation and on full display in almost all social settings. He was a world traveler, visiting Japan, Thailand, Germany, Ireland and most of the Continental US. He spent many years as an avid motorcycle enthusiast, becoming part of the “Iron Butt Club” on the back of his Honda Goldwing. In addition to travel on land, Bert had a deep love for aviation. His adventures in the sky were as much about the thrill of flying as they were about the joy of being around people he loved. When his children flew from the nest, Bert took to the skies as well. He worked tirelessly to acquire the private pilot’s license that his adolescent self had once dreamed of. He became an active member of the EAA Chapter 240 at the New Garden Airport. With his own hands and the help of many close friends, he built a single seat Aerolite 103 and piloted it many times . . . mostly successfully. When his flying days were over, he took his seat in the hanger, affectionately referred to as “the ghetto” where he spent hours each week enjoying camaraderie, friendship, laughter and cold Old Milwaukees. The other joy that Bert found in his later years was the life that he created with his partner Debbie Brown. They loved and laughed through nine years of shared dinners, bocce ball leagues at St. Anthony’s, vacations to Punta Cana and family gatherings. A celebration of Bert’s life will take place on May 31st at Downingtown Country Club. The event will be open house style from 12pm-3pm, where we’ll raise a toast to Bert and enjoy lite fare. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a program Bert spent a considerable amount of time volunteering with, The Young Eagles. Funded by a non-profit national organization, the program is dedicated to introducing and inspiring kids in the world of aviation. Donations can be sent to EAA Chapter 240 Young Eagles Program PO Box 240 Toughkenamon, PA 19347 or online at eaa240.org. Rest easy, Dad. We promise to keep you with us… in every crab eaten, every toast raised, every story told.