Obituary of Lewis "Lew" H. Shiley

Lewis H. “Lew” Shiley, 82, of Conneaut, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 20, 2025. He was born January 16, 1943, in Conneaut, Ohio, the son of Harold L. and Nancy (Platz) Shiley. Lew was a 1960 graduate of Northwestern High School. He began his professional life as a minor league baseball umpire from 1960 to 1966—a role that reflected his lifelong love of the game. After his years on the field, he transitioned into a successful career, beginning in finance in Erie, Pennsylvania, and later working with Jack Heintz at Heintz Business Services, where he went on to open a branch in Conneaut. Lew also served as a managing partner for Infinity Resources, helping to establish several branch offices, also including one in Conneaut. Lew had a heart for young people and enjoyed investing in their growth. From 1979 to 2008, he was a partner in the Conneaut Plaza Theater, where he mentored countless local youths. He taught them practical job skills and life lessons—values many carried into adulthood and continued to thank him for over the years. From 1988 to 1992, Lew served as Mayor of the City of Conneaut. During his tenure, he played a key role in transitioning the city to a council-manager form of government and spearheaded infrastructure expansions that contributed significantly to Conneaut’s long-term growth. A dedicated civic leader, he was an active member of the Conneaut Area Chamber of Commerce, co-chairing Jobs for Conneaut, and was also involved with Growth Partnership and Conneaut Foundation. Lew’s life was grounded in three guiding priorities: God, Lions Club, and Family. He was a devoted member and leader within the Conneaut Lions Club for 59 years, serving in various roles including Club President and board member. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping to establish the Safety Town program, where he remained actively involved each year—registering kindergarteners and teaching vital safety lessons. On November 26, 1966, Lew married the love of his life, Judith Tobias, at the former United Brethren Church. The couple remained devoted to each other for 58 years and were faithful members of the former Lakeview United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School and was Lay Leader and now New Leaf United Methodist Church. A true baseball enthusiast, Lew was a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Indians and proudly held season tickets for 28 years. He also loved playing golf, traveling with Judy for both business and leisure, and spending winters in Florida. At home, he found joy tending to his garden, planting flowers, and having a beautifully manicured yard. Lew was an avid reader, reading the Wall Street Journal daily and enjoyed fiction, non-fiction, and autobiographies. Lew is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Judith M. Shiley; siblings, Laura (Jim) Eaton, Judi Cusick, Richard (Jeanne) Shiley, and Barbara Maksin; as well as several cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sister-in-law, William and Wilma Shiley. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at New Leaf United Methodist Church, 110 Gateway Ave., Conneaut, and again on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at East Conneaut Cemetery. Judy would like to extend a special thank you to his buddy, Tim Church, for all the help and love he gave Lew and her during his illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Conneaut Lions Club—Safety Town, P.O. Box 615, Conneaut, Ohio 44030, or to the New Leaf United Methodist Church- Blessings In A Backpack, 110 Gateway Ave., Conneaut, Ohio 44030. Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut, is honored to assist the family. Online condolences and the guestbook are available at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com.