Gregory A. Shipley

Gregory Allen "Greg" Shipley

Of Pittsboro, IN, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 61 on Thursday, November 20, 2014 while on business in Tucson, AZ. Greg was born in Chicago on July 28, 1953 to parents Richard Allen Shipley and Doris (Johnson) Leoni. Following high school, Greg lived for more than a decade in California, where he was a regular "jack of all trades" working as a ranch hand, airplane mechanic, carpenter and firefighter.

After returning to the Midwest, Greg married his wife Sherry (Nightlinger) Shipley on August 17, 1985 in Country Club Hills, IL. Following 17 successful years at Downer's Grove Dodge, Greg came on-board as a Senior Territory Manager of Engineered Systems with Tyco Fire Protection, where he was beloved by colleagues, clients, and associates. Greg and his wife Sherry lived in Naperville, IL, where they saw the birth of their son, Neal Allen Shipley, on January 6, 1991. The entire family worked tirelessly for many years with the Naperville Exchange Club (prevention of child abuse). In 2007, the family moved to Zionsville IN, where they were active members of the Harley Owners Group Chapter #1 of Indianapolis, IN.

Greg loved to ride, including regular trips to the Smokey Mountains, Yellowstone, Utah, Colorado, Maine, and countless other destinations. Greg and Sherry also traveled to Tahiti and Australia courtesy of Greg's stellar work performance. As a family, the trio's annual winter treks included the Carribean, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and his favorite destination, Costa Rica. In the days since his death, Greg has been remembered by friends and family for his "wicked smile," enormous bear hugs, and thunderous laugh.

Greg was beloved by many, and will be remembered fondly by all those whose lives he touched. He is survived by his wife, Sherry; son, Neal Shipley; sister, Deborah (John) Saraceno and their children Jenny, Jessica (Brian) Lalonde and Joel Einhorn; sister, Valerie Rebeck and her children Mike (Kristin) Rebeck and Dana Rebeck; sister, Sandra (Mike) Lawnicki; and numerous great-nieces and nephews whom he loved. Greg was preceded in death by his father, Richard Allen Shipley; mother, Doris (Johnson) Leoni; step-father, Vincent Leoni; and several uncles.

A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, November 25th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson in Zionsville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks instead to make a donation to a charity of your choice or to the Naperville Exchange Club Charitable Foundation or Project HELP. Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at: http://www.arnmortuary.com