Robert C. Shade, 90, Founder Of Shade Construction Company

On April 23, 2017, Robert C. Shade, partner of Moira Wilkens, devoted father of Thomas of Grasonville, Edward of Cockeysville, William of Middle River, Donna Verdis of Ruxton, and loving grandfather of Steven, Jeffrey, Nicholas Jr., Jake, Jenny, Bobby, Alex, Michael, Adam, Ashleigh, Matt and Colleen and 14 great-grandchildren.

Robert C. Shade, a retired construction company executive, died Sunday from Alzheimer’s disease at The Gilchrist Center. He was 90. He attended Towson High School and served in the Army during World War II. In 1951, he married Mary E Billingslea and the couple lived in the Ruxton and Cockeyesville neighborhoods. She died in 2006. Mr. Shade began his construction career as a carpenter following in his father’s footsteps. He later became superintendent and eventually worked his way up to executive vice president of the Roy Kirby & Sons Co. In 1977 Robert and Mary started Shade Construction Co. Inc. The company specializes in commercial and medical construction projects and renovations and celebrates 40 years in business this year. Mr. Shade enjoyed golfing and had been a member of the Maryland Country Club for nearly 30 years. Mr. Shade was a communicant of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Towson.

The family will receive friends at the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 York Rd. (beltway exit 26) on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Immaculate Conception Church in Towson on Thursday at 10 a.m. Interment will be at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hydes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimers Association, 1850 York Rd., Timonium, MD 21093.