Thomas A. Shields

Thomas (Tucker) Shields, 89, of Pocasset, MA, died peacefully at Falmouth Hospital on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. He was predeceased by his parents, Helen and George Shields, and his sister, Barbara. Tucker leaves behind his beloved wife, Marlene, dear daughter, Linda, treasured son-in-law, Ben, delightful nephew Greg and niece, Kathy and their families. Born in 1931 in Philadelphia, PA, the family moved to Glenview, IL where Tucker earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from Northwestern University and served two years in the Army. He worked as sales manager for United Shoes Machinery Company, and moved to Massachusetts where he became Vice President of Marketing at PCI, Inc. in New Bedford, where he lived with his first wife, Terry until her death.

He returned to Chicago in 1977 to marry his childhood sweetheart, who he had known since grammar school, Marlene (Chickie) and moved to Cape Cod where they spent many wonderful weekends on their boat, Skokie, and had fun traveling to conventions and throughout Europe together, meeting wonderful people who became cherished friends. Tucker and his three partners, two Americans and two Germans, founded American Keder in 2000, when both Americans were “up against retirement,” as he puts it, and were looking for something to do. That kept them busy and entertained for many years. Fishing, boating, traveling, their cats and watching the Patriots play were his passions.

He always had his nose in a book, was thoroughly interested in politics and had a life long

love affair with scrapple, Kentucky Fried Chicken and biscuits & gravy. Also known for

his long, entertaining stories, which he loved to repeat often, saying, “...but to make a long

story short...”.

He always got a kick out of watching the tractor pulls at the Barnstable County Fair, square dancing with their best friends Joan & John, tailgating before going to Highfield Theater and especially enjoyed the bi-plane ride on his 80th birthday! Tucker will be deeply missed and forever loved. Special thanks to the staff at Falmouth Hospital, especially the doctors and nurses in the ER and on the 4th floor.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions a celebration of his life is planned for a later date.