Obituary of Matthew Joseph Shields

Matthew J Shields, age 84, of Villas passed away peacefully on Friday, December 10, 2010 at his home. Born in Philadelphia and formerly of that city, he has been a Cape May area resident since 1990. Matthew was a graduate of North Catholic High School in Philadelphia and was a bus driver in that city for SEPTA, retiring in 1989 after 42 years on the job. He served his country in the US Coast Guard during World War II. Matthew was a member of St Raymond's RC Church serving as an usher there for many years. He was a member of the Villas VFW, the Del Haven DAV, the Villas Golden Age Club, Villas Federation of Senior Citizens, and enjoyed going to the beach - especially the Grant Street Beach where he was a member of the Grant Street Beach Bums. Matthew is survived by his wife June of Villas; son Matthew T (Karen) of Tabernacle, NJ; son Michael (Stacie) of Holland, PA; daughters: Patricia (Robert) Lux of Jenkintown, PA; Julia (Earl) Mulligan of Souderton, PA; Kathleen (Joseph) Stellato of Ambler, PA; and Maryellen (Peter) Hill of West Chester, PA. Also surviving are his step children: Sharon (Bruce) Stewart of Naples, FL; Valerie (Mike) Szymendera of Philadelphia, PA; Michelle Lloyd of Philadelphia, PA; Jay (Karen) Lloyd of Shamong, NJ; Lynn (Jerry) Wixted of Marlton, NJ; 23 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Ann Shields in 1989 and one grandchild Joey Lloyd. There will a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at the Parish of St John Neumann at St Raymond's RC Church, Ocean & Bayshore Rd, Villas, NJ; where friends may call from 8:00 to 11:00 AM. Interment will follow the service at Cape May County Veteran's Cemetery. The family suggests contributions in Mathew's memory to Holy Redeemer Hospice, 1801 Route 9, Swainton, NJ 08210 or the Sacred Heart Home, 1315 West Hunting Park Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140.