John E. "Jack" Shields of Manhasset and Port Washington, passed on July 15, 2006 at the age of 76. Jack shared his life, his work and his love with his wife, Ann of 48 years, his children, J.P. (Leslie), Patti (Tim), Rob (Maureen) and Kevin (Michelle), his grandchildren, Kaci, Quinn and Lauren and his best friends Indy and Stirr. Jack was the dedicated president of Shields Bros., Inc., established in 1917 by his father John F. Shields, the prominent plumbing contracting and retail hardware establishment of Lower Main Street, Port Washington.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, John F. Shields and Helen O'Connor Shields. His family home was located in Beacon Hill, Port Washington. He attended St. Peter's School, Zavier and St. Ann's in New York City. He completed his education with a BA from Bridgeport University. Jack and his wife, Ann, raised their four children in Flower Hill, Manhasset and at Shields Bros., Inc. in Port Washington.

Jack, an only child, was the second generation of the Shields family business. "Shields Corner" is a landmark on Main Street. The retail hardware store and plumbing contracting headquarters were destroyed by fire in 1990 and since rebuilt on the original site. The 89-year-old business will be continued by Jack's wife and their children, the third generation, with whom he worked each day.

Jack was Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis International. Through Kiwanis, Jack was a participant and leader of numerous community endeavors for many years. Jack was also affiliated with the Port Washington Elks, the VFW and several Associations of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors.

Jack was especially proud of his military service, in which he served as an agent in the Counter Intelligence Corps, stationed on Amamioshima, North of Okinawa, Japan, during the Korean War, 1951 through 1953. Jack had the honor of being selected as Grand Marshal of the Port Washington Memorial Day Parade in 1991.

Jack was further honored by an elaborate police escort past his home in Manhasset and his beloved business in Port Washington, to his final resting place at Nassau Knolls Cemetery, Port Washington.

During his brief illness, Jack and his family were tremendously comforted by the Hospice and Region Care Organizations. Donations in the memory of John E. Shields may be made to Hospice Care Organizations. Donations in the memory of John E. Shields may be made to Hospice Care Network, 99 Sunnyside Blvd., Woodbury, NY 11797.

Rest in peace Jack Shields.