David Paul Shipman

David P. Shipman, age 75, of Center Township, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Born in 1951, in East Liverpool, Ohio, Dave was the son of the late Lawrence Edward Shipman and Grace Eleanor (Pitt) Shipman. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Sharon (Shipman) Malewski.

Although Dave earned an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Electronic Technology in May of 1988 from the Community College of Beaver County, he spent his working years in the mills. He completed a five year bricklaying apprenticeship while employed at The Aliquippa Works of J&L/LTV Steel and continued to work there as a bricklayer until it closed. He then worked at Zinc Corporation/Horsehead Corporation until he retired.

Away from work, Dave was happiest spending time with his family and enjoying the things that kept his hands and mind busy. He loved rafting with his family, building and flying model airplanes, photography, Sudoku and logic puzzles, watching lightning, and listening to thunderstorms. In his younger years he played ping pong, horseshoes and darts. Some nights you could find him observing the skies through his telescope. He was also a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

More than any job or hobby, however, Dave will be remembered for his sense of humor. He loved to joke around and seemed to always have a witty retort. As a bricklayer and a fan of Star Trek, Dave put his own spin of Dr. McCoy's famous refrain, often quipping; 'Dammit, I'm a bricklayer, not a doctor.' It was exactly the quick, dry and perfectly timed humor that made any conversation with Dave memorable. His ability to make the people around him laugh became as much a part of him as anything he did, and those who knew him will undoubtedly find themselves remembering his one-liners for years to come.

Dave is survived by his wife of 51 years, Debra A. (McCoy) Shipman, his two daughters; Sherry Anderson and Colleen Oefelein, one son in law, 'Billy O' Oefelein, four grandchildren; David D. Shipman, Hannah and Matthew Anderson and William 'Junior' Oefelein, and two great grandchildren; Jaelynn and Jameson Anderson. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and a lifetime of stories, laughter, adventures and memories that will continue to be told. Dave's quick wit, love of a good joke, and unmistakable sense of humor will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026, and funeral services will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 12:30pm at the Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home, 273 Route 68, Rochester, PA 15074. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

The family wishes to thank Amedisys Hospice for their kind and caring help.