William Albert Shappy Iii

South Burlington - William Albert Shappy III, 71, of South Burlington, VT passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday August 7, 2024.
He was born July 20, 1953 in Rutland, the son of William Albert Jr. and Helen (Spine) Shappy. Bill was a graduate of Mount Saint Joseph Academy class of 1971.
On October 3, 1992 he married his beloved wife Patricia Mann of Brattleboro, VT.
Being a native of Rutland, Bill developed many friendships over the years. His childhood years living in “The Gut” and then at 5 Curtis Avenue were precious to him. Having four other siblings simply added to the growth of friendships and simpler times; many of them just riding bikes, playing in the fields and streams around the neighborhood and even causing a little mischief once in a blue moon.
At a very young age, he took on the role of a drummer, starting with sitting on the floor playing on overturned pots and pans while his mother and aunts were visiting. Drumming became his first true love and he was so fortunate to meet other talented musicians in town where he played in different bands and developed his skills. As many of you know, besides his start with “garage bands”, he was most proud of his “Satin and Steel” band, his “On the Rocks” duo and then trio with Brad Morgan and Billy Comstock and “sitting in” with many, many other bands and musicians for over 55 years. He had a deep passion for drumming right down to his very last day.
Bill always had the entrepreneurial spirit and although music kept him occupied full time in his younger years, he entered into the financial industry working at Security Pacific and then Vermont National Bank in the late 80’s and early 90’s. In 1995, he knew that the corporate life wasn’t where he wanted to be and that his heart was yearning to open his own business, so he moved into the cellular phone industry and started up the Car Phone Store which eventually was renamed the Wireless Zone. With the support of his wife and many amazing employees, this one location eventually turned into 7 store locations over the next 15 years, scattered throughout the state of Vermont. After years of dedication to his customers, he finally sold each location and decided to move to a warmer climate in The Villages, Florida in 2012.
Bill continued with his entrepreneurial adventures over the next ten years but the most important and precious thing in his life was the love he had for his two daughters, whom he was so very proud of, and family. Whether it was family meals and holiday gatherings, Patriot football parties in his home each Sunday, or creating music for anyone and everyone in his life via weddings, reunions, and special events, he would celebrate and laugh with us all, making the room light up with excitement and joy. He will truly be missed by all and never forgotten.
Survivors include his wife Patti Shappy of South Burlington; his daughters Jennifer (Stephen) Swanson and Sarah McLeod both of South Burlington; a sister Mary Lynne (Bob) Bove of Brandon; brothers Victor Sr. (Lisa) Shappy of Rutland Town, Larry (Heather) Shappy of Rutland, and Bob (Roxane) Shappy of The Villages, FL; his grandchildren Cole, Stella and Leo Swanson and Remi McLeod as well as many nieces, nephews and relatives.
He was predeceased by both of his parents.
There will be no calling hours.
A funeral service will be held at 1pm Tuesday, August 20, 2024 in Saint Peters Church, Rutland, VT. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Mountain Top Resort, Chittenden, VT
Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.