Daniel R. Shields II of Amagansett Dies October 21

Daniel R. Shields II was many things — a loving husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, a volunteer - and will be re-membered as a man who cared deeply about his family, letting them know they were the center of his world and going above and beyond to make sure all of those close to him were always taken care of.

A native of Amagansett, Dan unexpectedly passed away at the age of just 62 years old on October 21, 2022 at South Shore University Hospital following complications during a routine procedure. He is survived by his beloved wife, daughters, sister, son-in-laws, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and countless family and friends.

Daniel R. Shields II was born on March 27th, 1960 - the first child of parents Daniel and Linda (Finch) Shields in Southampton, NY. He was raised in Amagansett with his younger sister, Darlene. Growing up on Hedges Lane, you could always find him spending his free time playing out-side surrounded by many cousins and friends, mostly riding anything that had a motor. As long as it ran and was motorized, he was on it; especially dirt bikes and eventually cars. Dan attended Amagansett Elementary School through 4th Grade, then attended Most Holy Trinity Catholic School through 8th Grade and then graduated from East Hampton High School in 1978.

During the Summer of 1977 before entering his Senior Year of High School, he started dating the love of his life and soul mate, Evelyn Schellinger. From the first moment Dan saw Evelyn in the school cafeteria, he told his friends that he was going to marry her. They quickly fell in love and got engaged in 1980 and together were married on August 15th, 1981 in Amagansett. Dan and Evelyn built their home together in 1983. Much to their delight they welcomed their first daughter, Nicole, in February of 1985 and their second daughter, Allison, in June of 1988. In 2008, their daughter Nicole was married to Peter Grimes, of Montauk, and Dan gained his first son-in-law. In 2014, their daughter Allison was married to Michael Sauter, of Flanders, and Dan gained his second son-in-law. Dan could not have been more proud being the incredible Pop Pop he was to his four grandchildren, Lindsey (11), Callie (9), Jack (6) and Ryan (3).

Aside from spending quality time with his family which he adored and was so proud of, he was a staple of the community as shown through his dedication to and his long-standing career with the Amagansett Fire Department. Dan joined the Amagansett Fire Department just two weeks after his 18th birthday in April of 1978. Dan also graduated from the Part-Time Suffolk County Police Academy in 1983 and served as a part time Police Offi cer at night for the East Hampton Town Police Department. Dan was offered a full-time Police Officer position with EHTPD but respectfully declined to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a business owner. Dan continued his lifelong service to his community as a 44-year active member of the Amagansett Fire Department where he received various awards, accolades and recognition for his many years of service and devotion. He was honored with the ‘Fireman of the Year’ award in 1982 and attained various Chief rankings between 1988-1993. He was elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners in 1999, a position he held for the last 23 years and was the current sitting Chairman of the Board for the last several years.

Growing up, Dan spent many days after school and weekends with his Great Uncle Mike DiSunno toying around and playing with bulldozers and dump trucks which quickly became a passion of his and a skill he was determined to master, which he did. He started working full-time as a heavy equipment operator right out of high school in 1978 and became a partner in Mike DiSunno & Son Inc. in 1990. He was a legend at his craft as a bulldozer operator and the skills he had as a machine operator were like no other. There really wasn’t anything he couldn’t figure out how to operate. From bulldozers, to boats, to dune buggies, to cars, and everything in between, he mastered them all. He was an avid car enthusiast and loved the thrill of finding the car he’d been looking for and being able to cruise around town in his new ride. And anyone that knows Dan knows he always had the most well-kept, cleanest cars in town. He took pride in never driving around with even so much as a speck of dirt on his vehicles.

There wasn’t a person he didn’t know or get to know within this great community and beyond. Whether it was his signature smile or a wave while passing you by in his truck, or even just a quick roadside/jobsite chat, Dan always took the time to stop and say hello. Those who knew him knew that he was someone you could always count on, no matter what. He was kind and gentle, had the biggest heart and would always be there to lend a helping hand to others in need. His family jokes that he was the unofficial “Mayor of Amagansett” as everywhere he went, he always knew someone and had to stop to say hello. To say he will be missed is an understatement. His passing is a tremendous loss for not only his family, but for our entire community. The lives he touched and the memories made in his short time here with us will live on with us all for an eternity.

The family has suggested donations in his name and honor be made to the Amagansett Fire Department, PO Box 911, Amagansett, NY 11930.