William M. Shields Jr. "Bill" of Marshfield passed away unexpectedly on August 15, 2026. He was a devoted partner, father, brother, son, uncle, and friend, and above all, a genuinely good man who could always be counted on.

Bill will be deeply missed by his life partner of 24 years, Courtney Verash; his daughter, Brooklyn; his brothers, Brian Shields and his wife Cristin, Stephen Shields and his wife Amanda, and Gregory Shields; Courtney’s family, Sharon and Lewis Verash, sister Amanda Verash-Morris, Kyle and Kendra Verash; his many nieces and nephews, his brothers and sisters at the Marshfield Fire Department who he considered his second family, and all his close friends and members of the Marshfield community.

Bill was the son of Debra Shields and the late William Shields. He was a 1998 graduate of Marshfield High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree. He dedicated more than 20 years to serving the Town of Marshfield as a firefighter, ultimately rising to the rank of Captain. Throughout his career, he served in many important roles and was respected for his knowledge, dedication, and willingness to help others.

Bill was exceptionally smart, capable, and handy. He had a natural ability to figure most things out. Whether it was a car or boat, a piece of equipment, or just about anything else, Bill was the person you could rely on. He was always looking out for the people around him and took great care of the people he loved.

He also had a great sense of humor and was a funny guy who could make the people around him laugh. Bill loved being on the water, boating and fishing whenever he could. He also enjoyed playing hockey and snowmobiling. His many talents and practical nature were a big part of who he was.

Bill was a loving father, a loving brother, and a loyal friend. He gave his time and talents freely, whether helping a family member, a friend, a colleague, or someone in his community who needed him. He will be remembered for his service, his generosity, his sense of humor, and the way he was always there for the people he loved.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow firefighters, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, August 21, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Saint Christine’s Church, 1295 Main St, Marshfield, MA 02050. The funeral Mass will be Saturday, August 22, at 10 a.m. also at Saint Christine’s Church.

The family kindly asks that flowers be omitted. Instead, consider a donation to the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts in Bill’s memory.

Checks made payable to Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts Charitable Foundation , 2 Center Plaza, Suite 4M, Boston, MA 02108

Online donations can be made at tinyurl.com/pffmdonate