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WILLIAM SHELLEY Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM SHELLEY
Sponsored by David Taylor.
PAUL PAOLINI
December 16, 2024
SO SAD TO HEAR OF HIS DEATH. A GREAT HUMAN BEING WHO TREATED EVERYONE WITH DIGNITY AND GRACE. GOD WILLING WE HOPE TO SEE HIM IN THE NEXT REALITY. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND AND PRIEST. CATHERINE AND PAUL PAOLINI.
Kevin L Childs
April 26, 2021
When I was the young lost soul in NYC in the mid 1960's, he was always one to provide an extra meal (spaghetti), and a ticket to whatever Broadway play I wanted, and a friendly conversation. I last visited when he was in residence at St. Patrick's. I was always impressed with his dedication to the world about, and not simply because I was extended family. I miss him, and look forward to the time when we next meet.
Robert Humphrey
April 25, 2021
He was the best Priest and Man I ever knew. He would do anything for anybody and he was the best ! I first noticed this young priest in the 1950s when I was a kid. Anyone who remembers him from those days always says the same thing. He was the best ! May he be in Heaven with all the angels surrounded with Gods love.
Kevin Childs
December 23, 2020
The people's priest.
In Lourdes on a Marian pilgrimage in Europe.
Elna Seabrooks
December 22, 2020
Father Shelley was the wonderful priest you hope every priest will be. Like a dear family member, he always stayed in touch with me - even after I left NY.
David Taylor
December 4, 2019
Although I am late with this, I realize how much I miss him. He was a true priest = the holiest I have ever known.
He was my sponsor when I came into the Church and showed great care for me ever after that.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
February 18, 2013
February 18, 2013
Elna Seabrooks
February 18, 2013
Fr. Shelley was the kindest, sincerest and holiest priest I ever met. He was devoted to God and the Blessed Mother while remaining human and humble. Fr. Shelley was the NY Mets biggest fan. He could share a good laugh, belt out a round of favorite Irish songs, care for the homeless and steadfastly defend unborn children. He prepared me for Confirmation and introduced me to the world of Marian pilgrimages, especially after learning of my keen interest since childhood in Lourdes and the story of St. Bernadette. On one trip to Lourdes, I bought him an ice cream cone on a hot day. Fr. Shelley was grumbling - that endearing way he sometimes expressed himself. I said: "Oh, stop being an old grumpy face." His reply: "I can't help it. I am an old grumpy face." We both broke out in laughter. He always stayed in touch with me before and after I moved - the way a dear relative would. My heart is broken from losing such a wonderful priest, but comforted in knowing he is in Heaven.
Doris Rosas
February 15, 2013
My dear Father Shelley, always did the right thing, left a tremendous void, but I know he graces heaven. He embraced his trials and tribulations like a trooper, a true CHAMPION!
Rest in Peace, dear precious Father Shelley. Now you may rest in God's glory.
Kevin Childs
February 12, 2013
I received my annual Christmas card from Father Bill about a week after his passing. It was one of the nicest I'd ever received and one that I'll cherish. This latest edition I consider to be postmarked from Heaven.
Richard Sawicki
January 7, 2013
Fr. William Shelley: "Thou art a priest forever according to the line of Melchisidech".
I first met you on December 7, 1985. For 27 years you showed me the meaning of standing "In persona Christi". At the Altar of the Lord, in the confessional, in the soup kitchen, on pilgrimage, on the street, in quiet contemplation before the Blessed Sacrament, or just sitting around talking...you were a priest 24/7 and my life is richer for having known you.
I rejoice to take my leave of you, that you may enjoy the Heavenly Rest you have earned.
"Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Gaudete in Domino Semper!
John & Frances Shelley
January 6, 2013
Thank you Father Bill for your 62 years of priesthood. You are truly an inspiration to everyone who knew you.
anthony von Meyers
January 4, 2013
I used serve Mass for Father Shelley; while of course I remember his wisdom, and profound holiness, I also recall his great humor and witticisms, many of which remain with me to this day. How many times have I said (at work meetings), “ I want to talk about four things, I'm going to talk about the third thing first,” or “What I'm about to say is not going to make your blood run backwards.” Each of his Homilies were a catechism lesson making The Faith real and relevant in this ghastly age. Father Shelley's methodical approach to salvation, is not easy but it is simple. Taking often complicated concepts and ancient practices and making them relevant and, dare I say, contemporary -NEVER MODERN.
His gruffness, which I often thought was practiced, was endearing. His intellect which he self debased was intense. His affection steady, his Faith, while never taken for granted, was contagious. Even now, in deep sadness, we can't stop laughing. We shall (can't ever) never forget him. Our prayers go out to his community, for the repose of his soul, which I am sure rest with the God he loved so much and served so well.
In Remembrance Always
January 3, 2013
Father Bill,
My father talked about his cousin, Father Bill, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC. Not until I was an adult on a trip to NYC did I meet him in person. His life was lived completely. Completely honest, and completely successful. Father Bill, a revered member of our family, and our teacher.
In Remembrance and Respect ~Maureen Shelley
Daniel Shelley
December 31, 2012
Father Bill is my dad's 1st cousin. I always looked forward to the hand written Christmas blessings that Father Bill would send our way every year.
RIP Father Bill
December 31, 2012
We will miss you, Father Shelley. You were an angel on Earth and now you're with the angels in Heaven. Lots of love, Ben, Kim, Gracie and Gabriel Garcia
Joe Barna
December 29, 2012
Bless you Father Bill,
You will be missed,
We Love You
Rest in Peace
Rest in Peace Father Bill
Joe Barna
December 29, 2012
diane lin
December 28, 2012
Father Shelley -
Our family is forever enriched with the wonder of your friendship and love. You comforted us in times of grief and laughed with us in times of joy. I can never forget all the wonderful memories from our years together at the soup kitchen. Our friendship was forged with that first bowl of oatmeal! Hope this note finds you singing and dancing with ALL the angels in heaven! Eternal peace to you Father.
With great love, affection and gratitude,
Diana Lin and family
December 28, 2012
Remembering all the great times we shared, in ihe Bronx and Highland Falls I'm so proud to be your 1st cousin! Rest in Peace! Peg & Bill Rafferty
Joan Lovett
December 28, 2012
"May no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son." (Opening prayer for the Second Sunday of Advent). Rest in Peace, Father Shelley. I will never forget you.
Cora Vasconcellos
December 28, 2012
Fr. Shelley you will be terribly missed. I enjoyed our hellos and small talks both at St. Anges and St. Patrick's. May you have eternal happiness and peace in your heavenly home.
Mary Rafferty Hertzog
December 27, 2012
Father Bill was my father's first cousin my grandmother being a Shelley. He was a great man - loved his family, his parishioners and loved the Lord. He was the celebrant at my parents' marriage in 1952 and mine in 1976 - when I was 13 he treated me to an offBroadway play along with my older brother and about a dozen second cousins, we also went out to dinner. He was a great man. In the photo, Father Bill is upper right - my father Bill Rafferty is upper left they were close in age
Manuel Albino
December 23, 2012
When they made him they broke the mold, he complained, then he promptly cleaned it up while mentioning an obscure baseball stat, and then smiled. He will be missed by those whose lives he touched.
loretta dober
December 22, 2012
Dear Father Shelley, No person I have every know besides Jesus Christ ,and my Mother and Father and yes I had an Uncle Willie, has every given me so much joy. There will never be a day that I live that i will not find love and joy thinking of you and what you mean to me. I have become a better person just by knowing you.
David Gabriel
December 22, 2012
Fr. Shelley was the greatest man I have ever known. He Baptized me, he heard my first Confession, he sponsored me at Confirmation. He celebrated my peaks. We talked baseball and ate chocolate cakes. We were good friends until the very end. Although I know for a fact he is in heaven and his pains are over, he will be sorely missed and I long to hear another of his wonderful stories. May he rest in the peace and comfort of Our Lady's mantle.
Catherine Shaffer
December 22, 2012
Rev. Fr. Shelley born on the Feast of the Assumption, Our Lady's priest in so many blessed ways. A prayer warrior and a priest who loved God, Holy Mother Church, his family, friends, parishoners and country. Thank you for your love and dedication.
May God have mercy on you and may you rest in peace.
Doris Rosas
December 22, 2012
A GREAT priest, a GOOD, PURE, SELFLESS, GENEROUS and GENUINE SOUL. Miss him, and his wisdom terribly. My heart is broken.
Doris Rosas
December 22, 2012
Dearest, dearest, Father Shelley, a true IMITATION OF CHRIST! Who's life wasn't better, after having known him? Forever in my heart.
MICHAEL PAGANINI
December 21, 2012
FATHER YOU DESERVE TO BE IN HEAVEN FOR ALL THE GOOD WORKS YOU HAVE DONE.I MET YOU 55 YEARS AGO AS AN ALTER BOY IN THE BRONX AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU
Jessica Cybruch
December 20, 2012
Fr. Shelley, you have been our dear friend and angel sent from God to us for many many years. Thanking you and Fr. Connelly for officiating our wedding ceremony. You have earned your eternal reward in Heaven and I know you will be looking down and still tending your flock down here from above. Thank you dear friend for all your relentless hard work, sacrifice, prayers and love since we have known you. You remain forever in our hearts and prayers. Till we meet again, Lucian and Jessica Cybruch
Loretta Calilli
December 20, 2012
May you rest in peace Fr. Shelley. You have always been an important person in our lives since you officiated at our marriage 55 years ago. I will continue to keep you in my prayers and ask that you keep Richard and I in your prayers .
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