William Chapin Shiel

William Chapin Shiel, 92, passed away November 18, 2017, surrounded and comforted by his family. A humble man with little to be humble about, Bill was born in Indianapolis on December 7, 1924. One of seven children born to Walter and Mary Shiel, Bill entered the Army in 1943 and two years later received a Congressional appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in the Class of 1949. The core values that West Point instills in its Cadets remained a strong influence throughout Bill's entire life. However, the most significant influence on Bill began with a blind date with a beautiful young woman named Virginia Bruneau. They were married in Brophy Chapel on January 27, 1951 and shared an enduring love for one another for the next 58 years. Each day together, Bill and Virginia provided their six children the greatest gift of all --- parents who daily expressed their love and respect for each other, and a home always filled with love, laughter, and positive support (and weekend job lists for the kids!). Four days before Bill passed, he showed a picture of Virginia to his nurses and said she was "stunningly beautiful." Bill proudly served ­­20 years ...[more]

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s a pilot in the U. S. Air Force. He was awarded with the Legion of Merit medal for "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements." Because his work at the Pentagon was classified, Bill never told anyone specifically why he received this highest of honors, not even Virginia. Bill retired as Lieutenant Colonel in 1969, moved his family to Phoenix, and began a 20-year career in banking. Bill remained active throughout 27 years of retirement, with volunteer work at St. Francis Parish and St. Vincent de Paul, hikes in the forest with family and friends, much scholarly reading, and weekly gatherings with his family. Bill is survived by his children Bill Jr., Mike, Maureen (Mackey), Eldene (Spelder), Rhody and Ralph; their spouses; 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A memorial Mass will be held Friday, November 24, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 North Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ  85012. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul Conference c/o St. Francis Parish, 4715 North Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ  85012, or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. "Mission accomplished, Dad!" Visit https://hansenmortuary.wpengine.com for condolences.