Edward J. Shields

1939 - 2015

Edward J. Shields, 76, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of Patricia (Gowley) Shields passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 16, 2015 after a brief illness. He was born on March 22, 1939. He loved to reminiscence about growing up in New Haven where he graduated from Wilbur Cross High School. He served for three years in the United States Army, and spoke fondly of his time at Fort Hood, Texas and Germany. Ed retired in 1997 after 38 years of service with the State of Connecticut, where he worked for several agencies. It was while working for the State that he had the good fortune to meet his wife of 48 years. He always said that she was the best thing that happened to him. Throughout his time in Wethersfield, he was a member of the town's Volunteer Fire Department, Knights of Columbus, and Putnam Phalanx. He is predeceased by his parents, Edward and Mary (Smith) Shields, and his sister, Sr. Rosalie Shields. His memory will live on in the hearts of his children, Brian and his wife Lori, of Wethersfield; Jim and his wife Maureen, of Clifton Park, NY; Leigh Anne and her husband Mike Church, of Berlin. Ed's beautiful grandchildren, Eric, Brendan, and Emma were the light of his life. They brightened his day and were his greatest joy. His happiest moments were being surrounded by his family. As his children grew, he never missed a dance recital, football, soccer, or volleyball game. Ed was always there to provide for his family, volunteer his time, or a help friend. He had an uncanny ability to give driving directions to the most remote places, and his children would not recognize him without his signature mustache. Rarely without a story, was he an avid fan of UCONN basketball, the Red Sox, going to parades, and collecting coins. There will always be a spot for him at Dunkin' Donuts where he could be found having coffee every Friday night with dear friends. Ed will be greatly missed and remembered for steady guidance, feisty Irish spirit, love of a good joke, and his sense of integrity by which he lived his life. He will always be our most loved husband, father, and friend. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday (October 20) at 11a.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. The burial will follow in Village Cemetery, Wethersfield. Family and friends may visit the funeral chapel on Monday (October 19) from 4-7p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association-CT Chapter, 5 Brookside Dr. P.O. Box 5022, Wallingford, CT 06492. To share a memory of Ed with his family please visit www.desopo.com.