Obituary of William Lee Shaughnessy

William Lee Shaughnessy, age 80, loving husband to Barbara Heim Shaughnessy, of Southport, passed away peacefully in his home on September 7, 2017.
 
In addition to Barbara, his devoted wife of 56 years, Bill's memory will be embraced by his children, Lynn Curran and her husband Jack of Fairfield, Kelly Shaughnessy of Del Rio, TX, William Shaughnessy, Jr. and his wife Elisabeth of Madison, Michael Shaughnessy and his wife Cheri of Alpharetta, GA; his cherished grandchildren, Briana and Meghan Curran, Gillian and Katherine Shaughnessy, Samantha Sutton; great grandchildren, Grant and Chandler Sutton; his sisters, Rose Anne Gaudet of Albany, NY, Harriet Langley of Delmar, NY; Barbara's siblings, George Heim, of North Creek, NY, Joan Bunn of Glenville, NY, Maura Moore of Canandaigua, NY; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Rose Pine Shaughnessy; brother, James Shaughnessy; brothers-in-law, Joseph Gaudet and Walter Langley.
 
Born in Chicago, IL, and raised in Albany, NY, Bill lived in Maine, New York, Illinois, and New Jersey before settling with his family in Fairfield. He was a graduate of Saint Michael's College, where he proudly served as the Alumni association president and often encouraged young men and woman to attend. He later received his Masters degree from Carnegie Technology Institute. Bill was a retired salesman and executive in the paper industry, spending most of his career with Great Northern Paper company and Madison Paper.
 
Bill had a gift to connect with people and truly enjoyed sharing conversation and laughter with his family, friends, colleagues, or the person he would just meet. He regularly volunteered as a driver for Cancer Care, Catholic Charities, and Jewish Family Services. Cheering for his athletic grandchildren during their sport events, spending time on Cape Cod and the Jersey Shore, and  family gatherings were among his favorite past times. Bill will be remembered for his strong faith in God, love of family and friends, and kindness to those in need.
 
Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 3-7 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. Pius X Faith Community Center Chapel, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield on Monday at 1230 PM. A private entombment will take place in Oak Lawn Cemetery.
 
Bill's family would greatly appreciate memorial contributions to: Bridgeport Rescue Mission 1088 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605. For travel directions or to sign his guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com