North River Church in Pembroke hosts memorial for Boston reporter Bill Shields

The North River Church in Pembroke, Massachusetts, hosted a memorial service honoring the legendary WBZ-TV reporter Bill Shields. Image: CA Creative|Unsplash

The North River Church in Pembroke hosted the memorial service that honored the legacy of Bill Shields, a legendary reporter with WBZ-TV.

According to a CBS Boston report, Shields died in February following his bout with cancer. He was 70, the news outlet disclosed.

Memorial for Legendary Reporter

CBS Boston said in a report that Bill Shields was a well-loved Boston TV news reporter with two Emmys to his name. The Texas native reportedly migrated to Boston, where he etched a career and reputation as a reliable TV reporter. 

Shields famously became Boston's most eligible bachelor at one time and was someone who made people laugh. He also earned the trust of Boston's people through the stories he did featuring "people you remember, people you cry with and laugh with."

Shields was also a reporter who did not shy away from covering his beat, even as snow, rain, and wind pounded him for several hours.  

Beth Guastella, Bill's sister, said in her eulogy that her brother was a storyteller in a league of his own.

"No one could tell stories like Bill. Bill was always in pursuit of another experience, a little more fun or a new adventure," Guastella told those in the memorial.

She added how Bill advised her to 'always stand by her friends.'

Guastella told the crowd how she basked in her brother's popularity when she was still a little girl. But, more than being a sister to a well-respected TV reporter, she explained how Bill exhibited humility and kindness when dealing with people. Guastella revealed those traits gave her the most pride in being Bill's sister.

"He was always happy, always laughing, always making me laugh," she added, recounting her experiences with her brother as they grew up in their hometown in Texas.

Shields' friend and coworker, Danny Marotta, recounted the former's ever-present smile as one thing he'll infinitely remember.

"He had that nice smile on his face. That's the last vision I have of Bill, and I'll take that smile with me for the rest of my life," he said.

Meanwhile, his family said they best remember Shields as a person full of love for those he held dear to his heart.

"We are heartbroken to lose our beloved and best father, brother and husband. He fought so courageously and without complaint until the end; he went out as soon as life was no longer going to be fun. He loved his friends and family and WBZ family beyond measure," Shields' family said following his death.

The news outlet said Shields had the support of his fans, family, and friends throughout his battle with cancer. CBS Boston said the legendary reporter fought his disease twice in his lifetime.

Bill left behind his wife, Katherine, and two sons, Tyler and Justin.

About North River Church

Its website said North River Church began in the summer of 1989 as a small congregation in Pembroke's Corporate Park.

The church said it worshipped there for 13 years before buying a property for $500,000, originally valued at $8.5 million.

The church is at 334 Old Oak St. in Pembroke, Massachusetts. Paul Atwater is the church's Senior Pastor and was its founding pastor in 1989.

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