Richard Dennis Shields, a 22 year Air Force Veteran and devoted father and grandfather “Pop-Pop”, entered into eternal rest after a courageous battle of fibrosis on Tuesday June 6, 2017 at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital with his devoted wife by his side. He was 61.

Born in Peekskill, NY on November 18, 1955. Rich was a foster child and was chosen and unconditionally loved by Louis and Ruth Abbagliato. He was placed into the hands of their permanent care. Richard was predeceased by his loving father Louis Abbagliato.

Rich dedicated his life to his country and to the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic. Through his service, he was lucky enough to see many parts of the world. Master Sergeant Shields was born into difficult circumstances yet he thrived and succeeded through life. He leaves behind a decorated military career and a successful civilian career as a safety specialist at West Point. In all avenues of his life he will be sorely missed. He was always the man with the answers that got things done. He was well known within the West Point community and the DPW organization in particular. Rich loved muscle cars, but his family came first and foremost.

He is survived by Lorie Shields, his loving wife of 37 years; his four loving sons, Robert Shields and wife Andrea, Richard Shields Jr and fiancé Pamela Jones, James “Ronny” Shields and wife Rhiannon and Jacob Shields; two beautiful granddaughters, Irelynn Elizabeth and Lakin Willow Shields, the lights of his life for the past 7 years; his brothers, Louis and Nettie Abbagliato, Ronald Abbagliato and his partner Doris Murray, Dennis Abbagliato and natural brother William Spinn; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 4-8pm on Monday June 12 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave, Newburgh. Service and burial with military honors will be at 10 am on Tuesday, June 13 at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Goshen, NY.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Autism Speaks on www.autismspeaks.org.

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