Walter (Bob) Shields passed peacefully and on his own terms in Naples, Fla. after a very brief illness. He was 78.
A Staten Island native, he was a florist for 50 years, bringing color and joy to people at their highest and lowest moments.
His three children's hobbies were his hobbies. Active in the Boy Scouts (raised two Eagle Scouts) and active in sports (raised a record-setting college basketball star). He made sure they never went without anything they needed or wanted. They ended up being an ink-stained wretch, a fragrance maker to the stars and an NYPD officer.
Later in life he welcomed two sons-in-law into the family. A 6'9'' man from St. Maarten and a 5'5" man from the Philippines. He treated them as if they were his own sons.
In his Florida retirement, he enjoyed gardening, napping and yelling at the television with his wife of more than 50 years.
In the last 10 months, he got to spend as much time as he wanted with his three grandsons. He was devoted to them.
In lieu of flowers and whatnot, please be kind, be humble and respect hard work. Those were his values.
You can also imbibe a mojito while watching "Kelly's Heroes," his favorite drink and movie.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn of Naples, his sons Robert and David of New York, his daughter Robin of Naples, his sons-in law, Neville of Naples and Zander of New York, and his three beloved grandchildren.