Obituary of John Joseph Shields

Age 89, formerly of Horseheads, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born in Elmira, NY on November 11, 1928 to the late Peter W and Katherine (Creighton). He was the beloved husband to Theresa (Terry) Ptak; father to children, Mark Shields, with wife Laura, of Dublin OH, and their children, Carrie (Troy Thimmes), Kevin and Kellen; Karen Silvernail , with husband Robert, of Corpus Christi TX, and their children, John and Joe; Michael Shields, with Tracy Goodman, of Latham NY, and his children, Christopher, Brendan and Claire; Sue Shields, with Marty Thiel, of Liverpool NY, and her son Adam (Brittany Schiefen); John Shields of Sinking Springs, PA and his sons, Brian and Tim; great-grandchildren, Ben and Shawn Silvernail, Lily Shields, Keegan Thimmes; brother Peter (Winnie) Shields of Naples FL; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Jack is predeceased by loving wife of 62 years Terry, his sister Margaret (Al) Betts, brother Bob (Pat) Shields, sisters-in-laws, Lydia Ptak, Florence (Bob) Ritter, Alice (Hank) Loga. Jack was a graduate of Niagara University and served in the United States Marine Corps. He worked and retired from Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He enjoyed golf, celebrating two hole-in-ones at Soaring Eagles Golf Course. He was an avid runner, participating in many races and completing two marathons. The USMC marathon was an especially proud achievement. He also loved cycling and hiking with his dog Jeep. He and Terry loved to travel, especially their trip to Italy where they toured the Vatican and visited Florence. They also enjoyed bike riding on Martha's Vineyard and throughout the Canadian provinces. Jack was a long time communicant of St. Mary Our Mother Church where he served as an Extraordinary Minister, an usher and a member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society and Knights of Columbus. Above all, his love and commitment to family will forever be his greatest legacy. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 22, 2018 at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mary Our Mother Church, Horseheads. Interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Mary Our Mother Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Jack's name to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Donations can be made at www.alzfdn.org