Bill Shields

William D. (Bill) Shields
August 26, 1952-February 17, 2023
Bill Shields died peacefully at home in Marshfield, MA on February 17th. As his family and friends mourn his passing and celebrate his life, the broadcast journalism industry and viewers recognize they lost a bright star and storytelling giant who approached life with optimism and humor.
Before succumbing to his second bout of lung cancer, Bill was able to use his public profile to advocate for lung cancer research, volunteering his time to help others.
Born in Cambridge but reared in Texas, Bill attended Thomas Jefferson High School and San Antonio College before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in journalism. He worked his way up from video editing to being a reporter at KENS-TV in San Antonio, where he was voted most eligible bachelor.
In 1980, Bill moved to Boston and began a distinguished 41- year career at WBZ-TV. Bill was a trusted reporter and valued member of the Boston community. Bill told stories with humanity, dignity and often humor.
Bill was most proud of the personal contacts he developed and people he met over the years and never spoke of the Emmy he won for his insightful, precise reporting.
His devotion to his friends was unparalleled. Bill believed in "picking up the phone" above all other (modern) methods of communication and he used it often to reach out to friends and colleagues, always ending each call with "Go have fun!"!
Growing up in Texas, Bill was an avid surfer frequenting the Gulf Coast beaches. After moving to Boston, he turned from surfing to snow skiing, ultimately bringing his family to his "happy place" in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. Bill also had a love for his boat "Big Pepper", where he spent many hours on the ocean.
Bill loved sports of all kinds, and he was active in coaching all three sons in football, basketball, t-ball, and baseball, always an encouraging presence on the sidelines, and so well liked in the Marshfield community.
Bill leaves behind Katherine Rossmoore, his wife of 30 years; their son and his wife, Raphael and Vida Richter of Truro; a son Justin Shields of Somerville; and son Tyler Shields of San Diego, California, as well as two beautiful grandchildren, Mica and Harper Richter along with his siblings, Bob Shields and his wife Charlotte of Charlottesville, VA, Tom Shields and his fiancé Kaye Lynch of San Antonio and Beth Guastella and her husband Mike, of New York City along with beloved nephews and a special niece.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the North River Community Church, 334 Old Oak Street in Pembroke.
For online guest book, driving directions and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com