Edward John "EJ" Shipman, 69, of Ithaca, NY passed away on November 4, 2016, in Ithaca, NY. EJ was born in Cuba, NY to Carl and Mildred Shipman on September 2, 1947. His family moved to Ithaca during his childhood and he graduated Ithaca High School in 1966. He was a bus driver with TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) for 35 years and the caretaker of Stewart Park from 1983 - 1992. Since his retirement in 2000, he spent his time with his family and making daily visits to his many friends around Ithaca.
He cherished his time with his beloved wife of thirty-two years, Brigid Shipman. He was an adoring father and grandfather, who loved swimming and playing with his grandchildren. He was so proud of his children and all they accomplished.
EJ could be found every morning at College Town Bagels (CTB) on Aurora St, helping Jill and the rest of the amazing staff to get ready for the day; he especially loved caring for their hanging flower baskets. He truly enjoyed greeting everyone as they passed by while he sat on his corner. He also made daily visits to Eddydale Farms Market where he amused them with his good humor and purchased his produce. EJ loved his car rides and day trips, especially to his childhood home in Cuba, NY. His favorite outing was the evening cruise around the Commons and Stewart Park. As a bus driver he had many unique memories such as when he lost his brakes coming down State Street hill, saving a young boy from choking on a pen tip and the snowy trips up and down the hills to Cornell and Ithaca College. EJ had many dear friends in life, he recently attended his 50th high school reunion and enjoyed catching up. He loved his new front porch, it reminded him of his days of working and living in Stewart Park where he would sit on the big porch of the boathouse and wave at everyone as they passed by. Whether outside CTB or on his front porch he smiled and greeted strangers and friends alike. His good-natured presence will be missed by many.
EJ is preceded by his parents Carl and Mildred Shipman and his brother Sheldon Shipman. He will be deeply missed by his wife Brigid; his children Angela (James) Cassidy, Keith (Suzanna) Shipman, Michael (Lillian) Shipman, and Neil (Kate Birch) Shipman; and his six grandchildren Emma, Owen, Caitrin, Madelyn, Theodore, and Mason. He is survived by his sister Diane (Donald) Sharpsteen and brother Wayne Shipman, former wife Joanne Chapin and sister-in-law Judy Shipman as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at Stewart Park on Sunday, November 13th at noon in the large pavilion.
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