OLD TOWN – Clement Frederic Shina Sr., 75, died peacefully Oct. 1, 2007, in the presence of his family, after a long illness. He was a resident at the Maine Veterans’ Home at the time of his death. During his nearly two-year stay there, the nurses and staff lovingly cared for him and laughed with him. They grieved with the family at his passing. He was born June 29, 1932, in Old Town, the oldest son of Agnes (St. Louis) and Theodore A. Shina. Clem married his wife, Constance Patricia Petrie, 1935-2004, Oct. 18, 1952. Clement F. Shina Sr. served America for more than 23 years. He began his service with the National Guard, then enlisted in the regular Army. He was stationed in Italy, California, Nevada, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maine and New York. He served in Vietnam in 1968-69, where he received the Bronze Star after being shot down in a helicopter, then valiantly defending his comrades from attack by the Viet Cong. He finished his long career as an acting sergeant major for the Recruiting Command, Albany, N.Y. He was decorated for valor and achievement throughout his career. After his retirement in 1974, he ran a day care center with Connie, a building inspection business, and also worked as a carpenter and logger. Clem loved to build things. He built many houses, but also cabinets, furniture and camps. His many works survive his passing. Clem loved the woods and waters of Maine. He spent many days with a rod or gun in his hand, fishing and hunting. In the month of November you would find him at his hunting camp; summers in K.I. He instilled a love of the outdoors in his sons and all who knew him. Clem also served for two years as commander of the VFW Post, Old Town. Surviving are his three boys, Theodore W. and his wife, Margaret, of West Old Town, Clement Jr. and his wife, Murielle, of Milford and Wallace and Pearl of Glenburn. He leaves six granddaughters and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves his sister, Martha and her husband, Ray Grant. Numerous family members on his wife’s side will miss Clem as well. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at Holy Family Parish. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Old Town. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon after services at the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VFW Post 3381 Scholarship Fund, 64 Water St., Old Town, ME 04468 or Maine Veterans’ Home, Activities Fund, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401.
CLEMENT FREDERIC SHINA SR.
