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Joseph Shilts Obituary
Joseph L. Shilts died at home May 18, 2006. Born April 1, 1933, raised in South Bend, Ind., Joe graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering.
He served two years in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Returning to Notre Dame, he earned his master's degree in civil engineering in 1960. Joe worked for California's Department of Water Resources for two years, then moved to Santa Clara to become the City's Superintendent of Streets. In 1966, he became Fairfield's Director of Public Works. Seventeen years later, he retired from that position to open his own consulting firm, Shilts Consultants, Inc., focusing on wind generated power, cogeneration and other alternative forms of energy. Joe's leadership and skills grew the company into a well-respected resource for public entity financing.
As a longtime community participant, Joe served as president of Solano County Habitat for Humanity, president of Napa-Solano United Way which included two years as a chair of the Local Campaign, president of Napa-Solano Girl Scout Council, member of F.A.S.T. Lions, and parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Gretchen; daughters and sons-in-law, Catherine and JoelHagopian of Seattle, Mary Taylor and Steven Cross of Memphis, Tenn., Teresa and Steven Lavell of Fairfield, Rose and Elias Chavira of San Rafael, and Bernadette and George Curry of Fairfield; 11 grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Ann Getzinger of Redding, Margaret and EdwardFleming of Redondo Beach, and Martha and Dan Phelan of Orange; sister-in-law,Evelyn Shilts; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will include a visitation beginning at5 p.m. Monday at HolySpirit Church with a vigilservice at 7 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Holy Spirit Church with a reception following at the Fairfield Community Center's Patio Room. Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations in memory ofMr. Shilts be sent to North Bay Hospice, 1300 Oliver Road, Suite 210, Fairfield, 94534.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bryan-Braker Funeral Home, 425-4697.
Visit the online guest book at www.thereporter.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Shilts
Bob Panzer
June 2, 2006
Dear Gretchen: I will remember Joe's active involvement in the Solano Habitat for Humanity. Part of his legacy will include his compassion for families striving for home ownership. I hope our paths will meet again in the Solano County Faith in Action program, Gretchen
Lynette Gray Plantz
May 31, 2006
Dear Gretchen and Bernadette:
All my deepest sympathy to your family at this time of great loss. You, Gretchen, were there for me and my family (Gray and Platten) with such care and support, I can only hope the kindess you show to others came back in strong doses in your time of need.
Bernadette and family - I wish you all peace and hope.
Jeanne Vanderbosch Neely
May 30, 2006
Dearest Gretchen and children:
As we returned from a short trip, we learned of Joe's death. I know he rests in peace because he fulfilled God's plan for him in the most exceptional ways. I have such fond childhood memories of him that he will live forever in my heart. May God be with all of us as we mourn our loss.
Claire 5 years old and Camille 2 months old
Jenny (Hoffman) Wagner
May 24, 2006
Dearest Gretchen,Bernie,George,Gracie,Jack, and all the children and grandchildren,
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Know that I think of you all often and miss you very much. Next time I'm in California I will call you.
Mike Hoffman
May 24, 2006
Shilts family,
My heart goes out to all of you. I was very sad to hear of Joe's passing. I will always have fond memories of all the time our families have shared together. It is with honor that I call Joe and Gretchen my Godparents. Such a wonderful man who had the fortune of being surrounded by all of you. God Bless.
James Paluck
May 24, 2006
To the Shilts Family:
May the God of Peace and Love comfort you as you mourn the loss of a great man. Joe will be missed, but certainly not forgotten. His memory will live on in the many lives he touched.
April DeMoss
May 23, 2006
Dear Mrs. Shilts and family,
So sorry to hear that Mr. Shilts has passed away. He had such a accomplished and wonderful life, and was blessed to share it with his family and friends. I have such fond memories as a child playing in your home.
Buck & Linda Hoffman
May 23, 2006
Gretchen & Family,
We remember Joe with a smile and a hint of laughter as we recall all the jokes he used to tell. He will always be remembered with much love.
Peace Be With You,
Pam Manix
May 23, 2006
Mrs. Shilts, Bernie and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Shilts' passing. Whenever I see Notre Dame football, I think of him. I will keep all of you in my prayers. And Bern, give your mom a special hug from me.
God's peace be with you all.
Sharon Karaica
May 23, 2006
Gretchen, Girls and Sons-in-law,
I am very sorry to hear of Joes passing. Working with you when you were building your new home was a true pleasure. I admire your family and values to the deepest extend. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. God Bless
Norine Matteson
May 23, 2006
Gretchen
We were saddened to hear of Joe's passing. Please know that you and your family are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.
Tom and Norine Matteson
Jennifer Barton
May 23, 2006
Joe was such a darling kind man who lived up to the highest ideals of community service and love for his fellow human beings. I will miss him and always be glad that I had the opportunity to know and learn from him.
Michele Silva
May 22, 2006
Mrs. Shilts, Cathy, Mary, Teresa, Rosie and Bernie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Mr. Shilts and your entire family! My prayers are with you.
Pete Sanchez
May 22, 2006
Dear Gretchen & family,
Joe showed his love for the economically challenged by patiently working to provide housing for them thru the Habitat for Humanity projects.He cared for the needy and showed great love and respect for them. For that, he will always be remembered.
Pete Sanchez
Suisun City Vice Mayor
Former Director, Solano Habitat for Humanity.
Bill McIntosh
May 22, 2006
Gretchen: So sorry for your loss. Joe was such a gentle man. You and your family are in our prayers.
Bill and Roberta McIntosh
Joe and Linda Merva
May 22, 2006
Dear Gretchen and Family,
We were so sorry to read of your loss. May you find some comfort in knowing that you are in our prayers.
Mary Ann Littlejohn
May 22, 2006
Gretchen and daughters: Phil and I offer our deepest sympathy and pray God's peace and comfort for you at this difficult time.
Eugene Martinez
May 21, 2006
Gretchen,
Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. A very fine boss and leader.
Sincerly,Eugene Martinez
May 21, 2006
Gretchen, I'm so sorry to hear of Joes passing. I have fond memories of working with him at Napa Solano Girl Scout council. May he rest in Peace. Carol Offermann, Fairfield
Rosie and Guido Colla
May 21, 2006
Gretchan:
Rosie and I express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Joe will be missed by our community for his many contributions.
Sincerely, Guido and Rosie Colla
Beverly Canova-Burton
May 21, 2006
Dear Gretchen,
I was saddened to hear of your beloved Joe's demise. I often think of this old Italian saying when a friend departs for his eternal home: "Those whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before--they are now wherever we are." You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Joe was not only a fine gentleman, he was a gentle man. May God bless you and your family at this sad time.
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