Former Delaware Democratic Party Chairman Sam Shipley has died at the age of 86.
Shipley served as the state’s economic development director under former Governor Charles Terry. He operated his advertising agency, Shipley Associates in Wilmington for 35 years.
Shipley also made a bid for Congress in the seventies.
In a statement, Senator Tom Carper said, “Sam helped me every step of the way in my career from State Treasurer to Senator, and never asked me for anything in return - he only wanted good government.”
Governor Jack Markell also weighed in, saying, “Delaware is a better place because of Sam Shipley’s commitment and passion for public service. He was an incredible mentor to me, and others, and I could always count on his sound advice when it was needed.”
Shipley is survived by his wife Susan, three children and four grandchildren.