Montague——John J. Shiels, 76, of Randall Rd. died Friday (7-6-18) at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield. He was born in Mansfield, MA.
October 13, 1941 to Thomas F. Shiels and his wife Mary A (White). John attended local schools and went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree from Northeastern University in Boston – Evening Division. He was a Certified Public Accountant for many years, lastly at Welsh & Associates in Greenfield retiring in 2013.
He was a member of the American Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Massachusetts Society of Public Accountants, John had been a member of the Greenfield Lodge of Moose Family Center and the Good Sams of America Chapter 11, also the Old Broad Bay Family Historical Society of Waldoboro, Maine. John served his communities on many civic boards including Together Inc, Marlboro MA. He held offices in the Northboro, MA.
Jay Cees as president and treasurer. After arriving in Greenfield in 1976, he continued his civic activities. He was a past chairman of the Greenfield Planning Board, served on the Franklin Medical Center Board of Overseers, Franklin County Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Mohawk Trail Concerts, Franklin Community Development Corp.
He served many years on the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army of Greenfield. Giving much of his time volunteering, counting money from the kettle drive and most especially serving meals to those in need during the holidays. John enjoyed camping with his wife Carol, they traveled a good part of the county from New England to Florida, into Eastern Provinces of Canada, in their motorhome.
Relaxation came by reading novels and watching sports. He was an avid fan of UMASS football and basketball as well as the Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
He loved working with kids. As his own children grew, John coached in the Greenfield Minor League Baseball and Greenfield Girls Softball as well as the Franklin County Babe Ruth League. John leaves his wife of 56 years, the former Carol Anne McClelland.
They were high school sweethearts soul mates and best friends, married June 29, 1962. He is also survived by their 2 daughters, Laurel A. Jablonski and her husband Stan of South Deerfield, MA, Stacy L. Shiels-Ward and her husband Jeff of Greenfield, MA and 1 son John J. Shiels II and his partner, Laura Churchill, of Turners Falls, MA. John also leaves two very special grandsons, whom he adored: U.S. Army Spec.
Thomas M. Shiels, and Maxwell V. Ward. Two nephews, Daniel Shields of NH and Thomas Shields of FL, and their families; Cousins Gertude (Laskey) Crowley and her husband James; and George Laskey, all of Malden, MA Several nieces and nephews and grand nieces-nephews. Many special friends, including Peter Jones of Florence, MA and Heather Pilling of Greenfield.
He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Shields and his wife Jean of NH and cousin Barbara (Laskey) Long of MA Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contribution may be made to The Salvation Army, 72 Chapman St., Greenfield, MA. 01301.
The family would like to Thank everyone at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, most especially the Nurses, for their care and compassion shown to John while he was in their care. Arrangements are under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home. Sympathy messages available at www.
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