Obituary: William 'Billy' Shaheen, 76, Of Danbury

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

DANBURY, CT — William “Billy” Shaheen was born the son of the late Albert and Aileen (Abdo) Shaheen on Feb. 19, 1946, in Danbury. He grew up on Stone Street with three brothers, the late Robert (“Fr. Bob”), Richard (“Dick”), his surviving brother Johnny and a large extended family. From an early age, he loved sports and gathered daily at Michael’s lot on Home Place to play ball with his cousins, friends, and anyone who wanted to join in. He would stay close to many of these cousins and friends throughout the years.

Billy attended Danbury schools, and after graduating high school in 1965, he entered the US Army. He was sent to Vietnam, where he fought in heavy combat and earned commendations for his fortitude and bravery. A decorated soldier, he achieved the rank of Specialist 4th Class before receiving an honorable discharge in 1967.

After leaving the military, he joined the US Postal Service, while continuing to be a member of the Wooster Hose Volunteer Fire Department. Around this time, while visiting his brother, he met Donna through St. Raymond’s Church in St. Louis. They married in 1974 and started a family, raising two boys, David (Theresa) and Michael (Roseanne).

He loved spending time with his sons, hitting baseballs in the backyard every night, coaching all of their ball teams, and taking them to Yankee Stadium to see Mattingly, Jeter, and Rivera. Billy retired from the postal service after 37 years. After his retirement, the Shaheens spent their time traveling between St. Louis and Danbury and hanging out with their three grandkids - Arya, Aliya, and Charlie. Billy left us on Saturday, December 17, this year, after a painful bout with cancer.

He will be remembered for his love of everyday things like the Yankees and Giants, meals with family, time with grandkids, the occasional Dewar’s on the rocks, and good but affordable red wine. He’ll also be remembered for the things that run deep - a lively personality, a curious and critical mind, rare compassion and conviction, and a refusal to be anyone but himself. There was no one like Billy Shaheen. That’s why we love him, and that’s why we’ll always miss him.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church, 17 Granville Ave., Danbury. Interment will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury. The family will receive friends in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9 Granville Ave., Danbury, on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to St. Anthony Maronite Church.

Masks and or facial coverings are required for all attendees. Please wear a mask or facial covering out of concern for the safety of all.