Perhaps it was only fitting that as Dellot Allen Shields, or Dale as those who knew him best called him, had his funeral procession begin late this morning, that the sun cracked through the clouds while the snow was pouring. For a few brief moments, the sun warmed those who happened to be outside watching in tribute along Main Street as he headed to his final place of rest.

 

And perhaps nothing was more fitting that Shields be laid to rest at the Bridgeport Cemetery. Shields, the 37-year city employee who retired in 2013 as the Superintendent of Public Works, was all about Bridgeport and – like that sunshine – had a way of making those around him feel pretty good. Along with spending many of his younger days in the city and being a 1976 member of the graduating class of Bridgeport High School, Shields spent his adult life improving the quality of life for others through his work.

 

Along his life’s journey, Shields made hundreds of friends. This morning, many of those friends gathered on Virginia Avenue at Burnside Funeral Home after his funeral service that was headed by the Rev. Robert Perine. Many more friends were at that service and in the lengthy procession of vehicles that traveled Main Street.

 

Following his services, Shields began his final journey home through the familiar roadway that is Main Street in the city he called home. City trucks blocked the entrances of side streets, trucks with their lights on from Public Works and Parks and Recreation, along with Bridgeport Fire Trucks pulled to the curb, greeted the procession. Bridgeport Police led the entourage as they headed through town.

 

A flag from a city bucket truck was in place as the funeral procession entered the Bridgeport Cemetery. Other notable gestures for his lengthy service to the city were also done by the community and his co-workers who spoke glowingly of Shields’ knowledge, work ethic and sense of humor.

 

Click HERE to read a story on Shields’ passing where several individuals that worked with him for decades had kind words to say about their colleague. Inside the story is also a link to his obituary.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the procession coming down Main Street in front of the Benedum Civic Center, while the bottom photo shows what greeted the group upon their arrival at the Bridgeport Cemetery.