Obituary of Philip Vincent Shield

Philip Vincent Shield, of Burlington, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at Lahey Clinic on November 1 (All Saints Day) at 91 years of age.

Philip was born in Medford to William and Mary Ann Shield. He met the love of his life, Mary Ellen (Lyons) Shield in the first grade. After graduating high school, Philip went to Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, studying electrical engineering. He entered the Navy during the Korean War and served for four years. Philip then completed his electrical engineering degree at Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana. In 1956, Philip and Mary Ellen were married.

Philip and Mary Ellen settled in Burlington, MA in 1962 where they welcomed their three boys, Mark, Brian, and Kevin. Philip and Mary Ellen enjoyed scouting, camping, coaching, and attending his son’s games, and teaching religious education at St. Malachy’s. Philip worked as an electrical engineer at Raytheon for most of his career before retiring in 1991. Philip and Mary Ellen filled their retirement days going to daily mass at St. Malachy’s Church, volunteering at the Burlington Food Pantry, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. 

One of Philip’s favorite activities was working on projects around the home. Philip was a skilled craftsman building a canoe, shed, decks, and numerous other projects around his home or assisting friends and neighbors.  In addition, Philip and Mary Ellen enjoyed being on his boat the “Mary E”, with family and friends.

Philip and Mary Ellen loved traveling especially to Cape Cod, Vero Beach, FL, Spofford Lake, NH, and many national parks across the US.  They also traveled internationally, and particularly enjoyed Ireland, Scotland, France, and Italy. Philip’s dear wife, Mary Ellen, passed away 11 years ago unexpectedly.  Philip continued to spend time with his sons and his grandchildren while vacationing in Florida for many years.

Philip was the beloved husband of the late Mary Ellen. He was the loving father of Mark Shield and his wife Karen of Burlington, Brian Shield and his wife Brenda of Andover, MA, and the late Kevin Shield and his wife Maura of Chelmsford, MA. He was the treasured Papa to Michael of Austin, TX, Stephen of Atlanta, GA, William of Brighton, MA, Ryan of Denver, CO, Mariah of Boston, MA, Jennifer of Washington, DC, and Jessica of Andover. He was the dear brother of Marie Mallet of Keene, NH and his late siblings, Jack, Bill, Paul, Kenny, and George.

A visitation for Philip will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, MA 01803. A funeral mass for Philip will be held on Wednesday, November 8, at 10 AM at St. Malachy’s Church, 99 Bedford Street, Burlington, MA 01803. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Sullivan Funeral Home at 9 AM to drive together to the church in procession. Burial at Pine Haven Cemetery with Military Honors to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association, heart.org, in Philip’s memory.

For online guestbook, tribute video, and service information, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.