Ralph N. Shippee Sr., 92, of Hill Farm Road in Coventry, passed away with his loving family by his side, on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at The Miriam Hospital. He was the husband of the late Beatrice H. (Canaan) Shippee. Born in Coventry, he was the son of the late John A.C. and Carrie I. (Jordan) Shippee.
Ralph, skilled in all aspects of automotive repair, worked for Gershkoff Auto Body for most of his life. He served in the Army Air Force in WWII. For the past several years, Ralph enjoyed purchasing and restoring antique automobiles with his dear friend, Paul J. DiMaio, Esq.
He was an irreplaceable source of knowledge and skills to many antique car restorers and owners and was a member of the National Cadillac LaSalle Club, the local Model A Ford Owners Club and Model T Owners Club. He was recognized throughout the country as an expert on the body work and restoration of many automobiles. He was a good friend to many, many people and to whomever he came in touch with.
Ralph was the father of Ralph N. Shippee Jr., and his wife Mary of Bonita Springs, Florida and Cranston, RI; grandfather of Kimberly A. Geary of West Warwick and Linda Wyrostek of Warren and brother of Ollie Andrade of Winthrop, Maine.
His funeral was held on Saturday morning from the Iannotti Funeral Home in Coventry, with a Mass of Christian Burial in SS John & Paul Church. Interment with military honors took place in Greenwood Cemetery, also in Coventry.Â
Click here to view Ralph's memorial page courtesy of Iannotti Funeral Home.
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