Obituary of Robert John Shipley

Robert John Shipley passed away 1/11/25, after complications from the flu he contracted at the VA Hospital. His passing followed years of illness. Born in Bridgeton, NJ, he was the son of the late Fannie Woolbert-Shipley (Les) and John "Jack" Dawson. Robert spent his formative years in the Salem and Williamstown areas and attended Williamstown High School. After high school, he was drafted into the Vietnam War and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Following his military service, Robert worked for Marandino Concrete before transitioning to a role at Fairton Federal Prison. He eventually retired but continued working odd jobs until becoming ill. In Millville, many came to know him as "the flower guy" with the purple truck near Carmel Road, while others affectionately referred to him as "the crazy old man" sitting in the white truck at the East Side Wawa. He built a group of friends with whom he socialized over his morning coffee and newspapers at Wawa. Robert was a passionate WWE wrestling fan, an avid hunter and fisherman, and a Philadelphia Eagles supporter-though he always joked about never betting on them. His greatest pride, however, was his family, especially his beloved grandson, his "Boo Boo Bear." After waiting a lifetime for a son, he was overjoyed to gain a grandson nine years ago. From that moment, everything revolved around him. Robert would often sing to him, "Poppop loves his Boo Boo Bear," and their bond grew through shared adventures, from hunting pheasants and shopping trips to Cabela's to indulging in their shared love of ice cream, even though Robert was diabetic. He introduced his grandson to WWE wrestling, and they dreamed of attending a live event together. In his later years, Robert embraced his role as a loving and patient grandfather. He was thrilled to meet his new granddaughter a year and a half ago, whom he lovingly nicknamed "Pudding." She accompanied him to many of his doctor visits as a baby, and he was captivated by her spirited personality, often laughing at her antics. Robert found great joy in watching her grow. Robert's life was also a testament to the FAILED VA medical system. He endured years of delays in receiving the resources and equipment he needed and was entitled to. His daughter, Catherine Shipley, served as his fiercest advocate, tirelessly fighting for his care, though the system ultimately failed him. Robert was predeceased by his parents, Fannie Woolbert-Shipley (Les) and Jack Dawson; his brother Fred Shipley (Margaret); his sister Shirley Pompper (Bill); his in-laws, Michael and Marguerite Possumato; and his brother-in-law, Christopher Possumato (Debbie). He is survived by his loving daughter, Catherine Shipley (Tommy Williams); his wife, Marcia Shipley; his sisters, Barbara Watson (Joe) and Betsey Donelson (Kenny); sister-in-law Teresa Smiley; his many nieces and nephews; and the lights of his life, his grandson, Michael "Boo Boo Bear" Williams, and his granddaughter, Eleanor "Pudding" Williams. A funeral home visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 10:30am to 12:30pm followed by a funeral service at 12:30 pm from Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland. Final disposition will be at the convenience of the family.. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com