Thomas Wilbert Shipp, Sr.

Thomas Wilbert Shipp Sr., aged 78 of Columbus, OH passed away at his home on Saturday, May 27, 2023 after a lengthy illness associated with his service in the Vietnam War.  Tom was a well-loved husband, father, proud Grandfather, and Uncle. Tom was born in Detroit, MI, on August 30, 1944, the son of Harry and Nancy (nee Marotta) Shipp. 

 After graduating from Wayne High School in Detroit, Tom went on to serve in the US Army in various specialties, including topographical surveying, Drill Sergeant, and Platoon Sergeant. Tom’s military service culminated in a 1968 deployment to Vietnam with combat service in the 199^th Light Infantry Brigade, aka the Redcatchers, in Long Binh, South Vietnam.  Surviving multiple combat engagements, Tom was severely wounded on July 1, 1969, near Bien Hoa Airfield when the light observation helicopter he was in was shot down by the enemy. The injuries he suffered would cause his retirement from his beloved US Army.  After a lengthy recovery, Tom stayed active in disabled veteran rights in the 1970s; culminating in getting accessibility ramps installed at government facilities in the Richmond, VA area. After moving to Ohio, Tom remained engaged in community affairs, assisted fellow veterans, and volunteered at multiple public service organizations.  He earned an Associates of Applied Science degree from Clark State University. Tom was an accomplished artist, photographer, and model ship builder. He was a skilled craftsman and carpenter. Tom had a love for nature, was the quintessential people person, known for his friendliness and sense of humor, some of which was honed by a deep love of British comedies. Tom was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Tom was an active member of University Lodge 631, 14^th Masonic District, Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio and a 32nd Degree Mason, Valley of Columbus.

Tom was preceded in death by his father Harry Shipp, mother Nancy Marotta Shipp, and brother William Shipp. Tom is survived by his wife Mary Shipp (nee Harris), daughter Donna Michele Shipp (and special friend Mark), son Thomas Wilbert Shipp Jr (and wife Irina); grandson Alec Matthew Weber, granddaughter Sarah Providence Weber (and special friend Andy), and granddaughters Elena Mary Shipp and Nicole Isabelle Shipp. Tom is also survived by his favorite sister, Vivian (nee Shipp) Lonetto (and husband Jack). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and cousins of whom he thought the world of.

 The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation in his honor to one of Tom’s favorite charities: National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (www.nchv.org) or  the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org/donate)

Family will receive friends from 3:00p.m.-4:00p.m. THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023 at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, OH 43026 with a Masonic Service at 4:00p.m.  Family burial will be held later at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.  Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the Shipp Family.