Bernard James Shields

Bernard James Shields, age 80, of Upper Providence and formerly Philadelphia, husband of the late Maryellen (Heisse) Marcel, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023 in his home at Brandywine Living at Upper Providence. Born on April 21, 1942 in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Mary Gertrude (Mulvihill) and John J. Shields. A graduate of West Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Bernie received his Bachelor's Degree from St. Bonaventure University in New York State. He was employed for over 30 years at NAVICP in Northeast Philadelphia until his retirement in 1998. He loved playing chess, read extensively about the game, and even ran a chess club after work, where he coached and hosted tournaments. He also enjoyed losing money through his fantasy football and March Madness leagues organized with friends. He liked playing basketball and enthusiastically followed college basketball, always rooting for his favorite team, the Bonnies. From early childhood, Bernie was an avid reader and as an adult, became a staunch supporter of public libraries (making charitable donations (i.e. late fees) with regularity). He enjoyed reading novels and poetry, and his shelves housed fiction and non-fiction alike (he especially loved mysteries and fantasy fiction and had an outstanding collection of historical references and cook books!). After his retirement, he became interested in genealogy and devoted much of his time to learning about his Irish family history. He shared his many discoveries with both close and distant family. He loved PBS mysteries and detective shows (Inspector Morse was his favorite!). Bernie came to love cooking and perfected his recipe for Irish soda bread. He had impeccable taste in music. Playing cards and board games with his grandkids (and usually winning) brought out his competitive side. He also loved playing trivia (also usually winning). His home in North Cape May, NJ was a very special place to him and to Maryellen. He loved the beach. Over the course of his life he traveled to many countries, always excited to see new sights or taste a popular local dish. But in his heart, he loved "Sunny Cape May" the most. He is survived by his children: Mary Cristina "Crissy" Meanix, Bernard James "Jamie" Shields, Seth Patrick (Amy) Shields, Devin Christopher (Thea Toole) Shields and Kieran Noel (Cathy) Shields; his step-children: Kristi (Jon) Tribuiani, Jaclyn (Chris) Marcel, and James (Missy) Marcel; his fourteen grandchildren: Zoey and Kylie Shields; Penelope and Aidan Shields; Parker and Owen Toole; Griffin and Elliot Meanix; Joshua and Evie Tribuiani; Pree Cole; and Charlotte, Peyton, and Maggie Marcel; and his brother: William (Kathy) Shields. He was preceded in death by his older brother, John J. Shields and grandchildren Bailey and Mikayla Shields. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service on Friday, March 24, 2023, at 10:30 am at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville. Officiating will be the Rev. David Kubczak. Inurnment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, at 12:45 pm. Friends will be received from 9:30 - 10:30 am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bernard's name to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, 1901 Vine Street, Suite 111 Philadelphia, PA 19101 or by visiting support.freelibrary.org.

Bernard James Shields

April 21, 1942 - March 10, 2023