Patrick T. Shields Jr.

Patrick T. Shields
September 5, 1935 – December 22, 2024
Patrick Thomas Shields Jr, 89, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, in Irving, TX, surrounded by family. His life was a testament to the joy of connecting with others.
Born in San Antonio, TX, he was the eldest child of Patrick Thomas Shields, Sr., and Mary Belle Carson Shields. He spent his childhood cherishing visits to his maternal grandparents, "Pop and Cindy".
He attended Highland Park Elementary School and graduated from Shawnee Mission High School in Kansas City. He went on to join ROTC and became a proud member of Theta Chi Fraternity at the University of Texas in Austin.
While stationed at Fort Lee in Virginia, he met and married Mary Lou. After his Army service, he began his career at Oak Cliff Savings and Loan in Texas before becoming an Assessor for the City of Richmond, Virginia. In 1968, he was uniquely tasked with assessing the property value of Lee Circle, a focal point of Monument Avenue in Richmond, where a statue of Robert E. Lee was recently removed.
In 1969, he joined Sears Roebuck and Company in Chicago, a move that defined much of his professional life. As Property Tax Manager, he skillfully managed the complexities of tax assessments for Sears properties across North America. He recalled standing on the roof of the 110 story Sears Tower during its construction, leaning over a wooden fence to take a picture. He spent most of his career on the 61st floor overlooking Lake Michigan.
Patrick and Mary Lou built a life centered on family, education, and community, thriving in suburban Chicago for over 40 years. They took great pride in supporting their children in every endeavor-whether on the field, in the classroom, or during musical performances.
In retirement, Patrick proudly christened himself "Pop" and became a deeply involved and devoted grandfather. Whether it was school pickups, music lessons, family adventures, or regular ice cream dates, his "Pop-isms" and unwavering support created cherished memories that will forever be remembered.
With a deep love for Christmas, a holiday he celebrated with unmatched joy, Patrick transformed his passion into a one-month-a-year career as Santa. For three decades, he embodied the magic of Santa Claus and became legendary in his red "North Pole Edition" Camaro regularly chauffeured by his best friend, Alfred Gonzales.
Patrick loved entertaining and travel and forged strong connections with people everywhere he went. He served his community and contributed to numerous organizations including the Village of Buffalo Grove as head of the planning commission and an elected village trustee. He was actively involved with the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), Sears Retirees, DFW Ambassadors, Irving Heritage Society, Irving Symphony Orchestra, Irving Arts Center, and Baylor Hospital, where he volunteered for 17 years.
A service celebrating Patrick's life will be held at 3pm on January 18th at First Presbyterian Church, 1835 Young Street, Dallas, TX, 75201.
In lieu of flowers, please make a gift in Patrick's memory to Arts in Medicine using the link below.
Our Beneficiaries - Arts in Medicine - Baylor Scott & White - Irving Foundation
Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.
Arrangements under the direction of:
Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home
1820 N. Belt Line Road
Irving, Texas 75061