Robert B. Shields of Newton Highlands, who retired after 41 with New England Telephone Co. as the manager of the Business Engineering Department in Boston, died Monday June 9, 2008 at the Newton Wellesley Hospital in Newton. He was 86.
Born in Providence RI he had lived in Newton for 44 years. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during WW II and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands, Guam, Okinawa and Ie Shima. Ernie Pyle, perhaps one of the most famous WW II newspaper columnists, died next to Mr. Shields during an ambush in Ie Shima. After 4 years of service Mr. Shields was discharged as a lieutenant and returned to the Bell System. He was recalled into the service for two years during the Korean War and returned to the Bell System, this time as a 1st Lt.
A graduate of Boston College, he was active with alumni affairs and also with Sacred Heart Church in Newton Centre, community and Scouting activities and local and state Democratic politics. He also volunteered at the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton.
Beloved husband of the late Mary E. ”Betty” (Drury) Shields, he is survived by his children Robert B. Jr. of Burke VA, Pamela A. Goodspeed of Gloucester, and Peter C. and David A both of Newton, his brothers f Paul of Providence RI and Charles of Johnston RI, and 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Relatives and friends will gather at the Eaton & Mackay Funeral Home 465 Centre St. NEWTON CORNER on Thurs June 12 at 9 AM and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Church Newton Centre at 10 AM. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Newton Cemetery. Visiting hours will be in the funeral home on Wed from 4-7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be sent to Alzheimer’s Disease & Related Disorders 311 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA 02472.