HANOVER TWP. — Bernard Shipkowski, 76, of Hanover Township, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Bernie was born in Nanticoke, a son of the late Dennis and Jean Stebulis Shipkowski. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during the Vietnam War, and he later served as a captain in the U.S. Army during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Bernie was a graduate of Nanticoke High School, class of 1964, and received his nursing degree from Luzerne County Community College. He was employed for many years as a registered nurse at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW.
In addition to his parents, Bernie was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis "Butch" Shipkowski; and his sister, Jean Danko.
Surviving is his wife of 30 years, Carolyn Eley; daughter, Carolyn Connell and her husband, Tony, Plains; sons: Thomas and Bernard "BJ" Shipkowski, both of Wilkes-Barre; Sam Eley, Kingston; grandchildren: Jared Melton, Olivia Connell and Brady Shipkowski; sister, Marilyn Ryan, Aurora, Colo.; brother, Hank and his wife, Roberta, Nanticoke; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private funeral services and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
Condolences may be sent by visiting Bernie's obituary at www.natandgawlas.com.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Helen Guilford
August 31, 2023
I´m so sorry to hear of Bernie´s passing. Condolences to you Carolyn, Sam and family. I worked in CCU at WBGH and worked with Bernie during our pulls to each others´ units. He always made me laugh and his patients loved him.
Tricia Hollos
July 25, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about Bernie! I truly enjoyed our sessions together! I hope that he is at peace, drinking his favorite beverages. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time!
Love,
Tricia (OT @ CWHH)
Sharon A Tyson
July 23, 2023
So sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. I worked with him for 13 years in the ICU on 11-7. He was a great nurse and a better friend. We had such a good time at work and worked well when things got tough. Thank you for your friendship Bernie, rest in peace, and God bless your family.
Karen Glynn
July 23, 2023
Carolyn and family, I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. He touched so many. He will be missed. Please reach out if you need anything.
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Mary Dahlgard
July 21, 2023
So sorry to hear of Bernie'passing. He was a terrific guy. He could always make you laugh even on the worst nights.My thoughts and prayers are with you
Ronald C Yedloski
July 21, 2023
My deepest condolences. May you rest in peace, Bernie. You´re all in my thought and prayers at this time.
Audrey Gorham
July 21, 2023
Carolyn and family,I am so sorry to hear of Bernie's death. Heaven certainly has gained an angel. May he rest in peace.Thoughts and prayers sent your way.
Amanda Goble
July 21, 2023
I worked with Bernie and am so sad to hear of his passing. He was an exceptional nurse whom I learned a lot from. Whenever I make my coffee, I still think it´s hot, it´s fresh, it´s good. Prayers for your family.
Judy Centak
July 21, 2023
Sorry for your loss. I am keeping your family in my prayers Caroline please call me when you can and if you need anything don´t hesitate.
-Judy Centak
Gail Marshall
July 21, 2023
So sorry to see Bernie´s obituary. I worked with him 11-7 on 4th floor. He always provided wonderful care to his patients and support to his peers.
Donna Long
July 21, 2023
Carolyn I am deeply sorry for your loss. Bernie was definitely taken too earlier but may you find peace with the good memories. He had a wonderful personality, great sense of humor which I am sure many, many people will remember. He was a terrific nurse and many of his patients we´re blessed to have had him as their nurse.
Prayers for you, Sam and the rest of the family.
Much love and hugs my friend
Michele L. Carpenter
July 21, 2023
To a wonderful nurse that I had the pleasure to work with at WBGH intensive care unit for so many years!! You will surely be missed! RIP BERNIE
barbara tigue
July 21, 2023
I am so very sorry for the loss of Bernie. May his family find peace in the memories of this wonderful man. I worked with Bernie at WBGH, such a terrific person. Godspeed Bernie
Janice Graziano
July 21, 2023
You my friend were one in a million. Your work ethic was phenomenal in nursing, in the military, and with your family. You made me laugh and roll my eyes over 25 yrs of working with you. Rest well my friend. May your coffee always be fresh and hot. Love and strength to Your Family
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