Gerald Francis Shields

GROTON - Gerald Francis Shields, 75, died peacefully on Dec. 2, 2005, at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Born August 13, 1930 in Sherwood to Harold J. and Alice Britt Shields, he served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1951. He was a decorated veteran of the Korean War and a recipient of a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

When he returned to the family home, he married Martha Chamberlain and moved to Groton. He went on to Barber School in Schenectedy and opened Jerry's Barber Shop in Groton, where he had the oldest independent business in town until his retirement in 2001.

Jerry's passions were his family, the Detroit Tigers and old movies. His love of baseball was legendary, and he coached many teams from Little League through his championship "Jerry's Clippers."

He was predeceased by his mother in 1982, his father in 1999, his second wife, Milene, in 2003, and a brother, James Paul, in 1994.

Jerry is survived by his five children: Christine Snyder, of Preble, Michael (Patty) Shields, of Brewerton, Gregory (Diane) Shields, of Dedham, Mass., Lorraine Conger, of Groton, and Theresa (Brian) Farrell, of Groton; three brothers, Richard (Rosalyn), John and David (Norall) Shields; and three sisters, Marilyn (Robert) Chapman, Jan Sylvester and Carol (Mick) Reeves; and 11 grandchildren.

Jerry will be fondly remembered for his love of songs, a nice cold beer and his infectious smile. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Ave., Groton, with the Rev. Scott Kubinski officiating. Spring burial will be in Our Lady of the Lake Cemetery, King Ferry.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Groton Fire Department Ambulance Fund.