Richard Alan Shipman

Richard Alan Shipman, 74, of Kensington, beloved husband of Jane Shipman, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Hospital of Central CT in New Britain.

Born in Hartford, Richard moved to Kensington in 1962 and remained a lifelong resident. After graduating from Berlin High School in 1971, he attended the Porter School of Engineering Design. In 1976, he married Jane, and together they built their dream home in 1978, where they raised their children and resided until his passing. A master carpenter, Richard was well known for his expert craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.

He was an active member of the BellTown Antique Car Club in East Hampton and enjoyed attending car shows with his vintage 1980 Corvette and 1930 Model A Pick-up truck, which he frequently drove in the local Memorial Day parade. Richard had a lifelong passion for speed, spending his younger years drag racing Studebakers and competing in downhill skiing. An avid skier, he was a former member of the New Britain and Newington Ski Clubs and served as an instructor at Mt. Southington.

He is survived by his wife, Jane (Leary) Shipman; his daughter, Tracy Shipman and her fiancé, Daniel Sullivan, of Kensington; his son, Brian Shipman and his wife, Anne, of Coventry; and his mother, Jean (Crocker) Shipman of Aiken, SC. He also leaves behind two brothers, David Shipman and his wife, Chris, and Bruce Shipman and his partner, Nancy Kempf; a sister, Sharon Gardner, all of Aiken, SC; a sister-in-law, Charlene Leary and her husband, Randy, of Fairfield, CA; cousins Robert and Reed Lecrenier of Wethersfield; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, William Shipman.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Hwy., Berlin. A time of remembrance will take place during the calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation.