Roderick "Todd" Shininger, 92, of Willard, Ohio passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at his home. He was born on May 9, 1927 in Sherwood, Ohio to the late Frederick L. and Olive (Bates) Shininger. He was a Army Veteran during WW II serving in Japan from 1944 to 1947 in the U.S. Army Air Forces Weather Service. Although born in Sherwood, Ohio, Todd moved to Willard in 1949 in pursuit of his career at the B&O Railroad where he fell in love not only with his future wife Perma Wenner, but also the town of Willard. While at the B&O Railroad (CSX) from 1941 thru 1990, he was a loyal member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalman. His public service lasted for over 40 years in Willard beginning with City Council in 1976-2004, Mayor of Willard from 1997-2017. In this time, he was also a member of many organizations including; Zoning Board of Appeals in 1975, Executive Director of Willard Chamber of Commerce from 1989-2008; Willard Diversity Council; Hispanic Task Force of Norwalk, WIA Policy Board, City Tree Commission, Board Member of Willard Mercy Hospital, Huron County Economic Development Council, Willard Historical Society, United Way Fund, and an esteemed member of the ROMEOS and The Outstanding Senior Citizen from Huron County Commissioners in 2007. He was a dedicated member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Willard. Even at the age of 92, Todd enjoyed tooling around Willard in his 1968 MGB convertible, which he restored many years ago. Along with his wife Perma, they maintained beautiful gardens that were the envy of many. He also enjoyed woodworking, making walking canes, bird houses, special projects for friends and family and most of all, spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be remembered by his story-telling, sense of humor and loyalty to his family and the City of Willard.
He is survived by his two sons, Mark (Vivienne) Shininger of Dayton and Matthew (Paula) Shininger of Willard; daughter, Marcia (John) DiSilvestro of Tarboro, NC; ten grandchildren, Lisa Shininger of Dayton, Julie Shininger of Dayton, Abby (John) Pigg of Tarboro, NC, Adam (Jen) Kipp of Arnold, MD, Dr. Alexis DiSilvestro & Dr. Jonas Wilson-Leedy of Roanoke, VA, Aric Kipp of Tarboro, NC, Nick Machiusi & Sean Boulter of Cleveland, Stephanie (Craig) Riley of Marysville, Lukas Shininger & Ashley Beamer of Columbus and Lindsey Buckingham of Willard; great grandchildren, Leah Kipp, Adalyn Kipp, Harker Pigg, Carter Pigg, Elise Wilson-Leedy, Avery Wilson-Leedy, Linus Wilson-Leedy, Isaias Wilson-Leedy, Ruby Wilson-Leedy, Paiten Riley and Parker Riley; sister, Phyllis Murphy of Defiance; several nieces and nephews and special friend, Christopher Bellman.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Perma J. Shininger; a son, Michael Shininger; great granddaughter, Averi Faith Riley, nephew Douglas Snook and 11 siblings.
Friends may call at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 from 3:00 to 8:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Willard with Fr. George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Willard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Willard Food Bank or the Willard Clock Tower Fund. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com
"PROUD TO CALL WILLARD HOME"
Condolences
Heather Book - Jul 3, 2019
How sad I was to hear of Todd passing. Take comfort knowing he and Perma are together again. I enjoyed many talks with both of them. It was my great honor and priveledge to care for Perma and get to know her family! Two great people who raised great kids! Every time I see an MG I think of them cruising around and smile.
Susan Hazel - Jun 24, 2019
I want to offer my sincere condolences to the Family of Todd Shininger. Todd was "proud to call Willard home." I was proud to call Todd a friend. I worked with him on several county projects and served with him on the county diversity council. He was a gracious gentleman and he will be missed by this community. He once shared with me that I reminded him of his daughter. I know that he was so proud of his family and I took that statement as a true compliment. May your good memories give you strength and may his fine example guide your ways. With sympathy and respect, Susan Hazel, Huron County Clerk of Courts
Gary West & Family - Jun 20, 2019
Mark, Marcia, Matt & Families. We are so saddened & sorry to hear of Todd's passing. I worked for & with Todd my 1st 10 yrs on the Railroad & enjoyed swapping old railroad stories when I would visit Willard. He was a good man that was an inspiration & well liked by everyone & will truly be missed. He is in Gods hands now & home with Perma, Mike & Averi. We made a donation in Todd's name to the Willard Clock Tower. RIP my mentor & friend, you will not be forgotten.
Stephen & Roberta Alt - Jun 20, 2019
We send our sincere condolences on Todd's passing. We will miss our cousin very, very much.
Sue and Darrell Moll - Jun 19, 2019
Our prayers are with you during your time of loss. A life well lived his presents will be missed. He loved the Willard community.
Jim and Jackie Ratliff - Jun 19, 2019
To the Shininger Family. Thank you so much for sharing your father with us growing up. From skating in his basement, eating his delicious tomatoes, running around in his back yard and I even remember when he brought the MG home. He always let us kids share in everything. May his soul Rest In Peace forever.
Linda Walton - Jun 19, 2019
My heart is broken to hear of Todd’s passing. I did not have the privilege of knowing him all my life. But in the short time I did ... Todd’s voice and deeds will flood the streets and Comminity of Willard for years to come. A humble man with a great heart. Treating all those he met with kindness. He was an inspiration to this community. Todd tried to find and make peace in all situations. Giving advice without judgement. He led the best way he knew how with Love. He had a special gift of working with people. He never wanted recognition only seeking positive out comes. He supported the Willard Community in many unselfish ways giving of himself. He shared stories of his battles and encounters but always finding something positive in them. He took caution in not hurting others. I will remember and cherish our conversations. The many projects and meetings we worked together. His leadership in the Chamber and the community. The hugs from him and Perma. The kiss I would give him on his forehead when I saw him out especially at Uncle Dudleys and the Concerts in the Park. I appreciate His kind words, encouragement and laughter. You will be missed. Go rest High in that Mountain...till we meet again my friend! You deserve it! Thank you!
To his family he could not have loved you more! You were his life. He talked of you often with pride! He often said he lived a good life. That he did. You are the results! This community thrived. May you find peace and comfort . Cherish the memories! Hugs!
Steve Fannin - Jun 18, 2019
I just wanted to say he will be missed I loved listening to his stories when he would come in to drugmart and shop he was a really nice guy and was a good mayor. My condolences go out to his family and friends may he rest in piece.
sue shininger holcombe - Jun 18, 2019
John and I send our condolences and we are sorry for your loss. What a long and accomplished life!
Dick & Jeannine Snay - Jun 18, 2019
We are so sorry to hear of Todd's passing. My favorite memories of Todd are when he would take time to come to my parents home, whenever they were celebrating a milestone anniversary, stand in their living room, and read a proclamation them. (I'm sure he did it for many other Willard folks also). Todd will surely be missed by Willard. Condolences to the family.
Jim, Sandy, Luke and Ben Blum - Jun 18, 2019
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers.
Chris Raimonde Evenson - Jun 18, 2019
Deepest sympathy to the Shininger and Wenner families. May memories of such a wonderful man bring you all peace and comfort. Love to you all from the Raimonde/Alt family.
Pam Lucas Dwight - Jun 18, 2019
I'm so very sorry to hear of a Mr. Shininger passing. Many prayers to his family and friends.
Ricky Branham - Jun 18, 2019
I am so saddened to hear of Mr. Shininger’s passing. He was a wonderful example of so many great things, and I will forever cherish that I was his friend.
My family and I are out of state until this weekend so I’m so sorry we will not be able to attend. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Ayres - Jun 18, 2019
Sorry to hear the sad news about Mr. Shininger. His accomplishments are impressive, and he will be missed by many. May God grant his family and friends peace and comfort for the difficult days ahead, and fond memories for the years to come.
Jackie Lyons Lloyd - Jun 18, 2019
Marcia, I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Keep his memories close to your heart & it will help you make it through a dark day. My Prayers are with you & your family.
Don and Sharon Danhoff - Jun 18, 2019
We are so saddened to hear that Todd has passed on. We are out of state on vacation and won’t be able to be back for the services. He was a true leader and pillar of the community. His business sense and dedication to the city of Willard has been astounding through the years. We pray for Gods grace and strength for the family in coming days and months ahead. Don and Sharon.
Rick Reed - Jun 17, 2019
Matt and family, Just found out about your dads passing. I am so very sorry to hear this. I was just thinking about him a few days ago. He was such a great person. Loved talking with him about Willard and the history. He was so passionate about the town and bragged on you guys all the time. He was so proud of you guys. Prayer headed your way.
Lisa Butler - Jun 17, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss .. he was the kindest man and my dad worked with him for years on the railroad .. I just seen him recently at my own fathers funeral .. it was so good seeing him after many years! Always remembered him growing up ! My prayers and sympathy to you all for this great loss of a good man ! God bless you all .. daughter of Teddy Butler ..
Greg and Marilyn Sands - Jun 17, 2019
We are so sorry to learn of Todd’s passing. What an incredible legacy he leaves to the town, his friends and family. He will truly be missed.
Susan Wiles Hellinger - Jun 17, 2019
A piece of my heart breaks to hear this. Loved Todd and Perma! Having spent nearly 40 years myself working for the City of Willard, Todd was a well respected mentor and friend, not only to me but many
others throughout the years. Todd was a wealth of information and his opinions were fair, balanced, respected and valued. Many times when I needed advice I would turn to Todd. Together we penned humorous proclamations when he was Mayor. I loved his funny but always kind humor! A page in the Willard history books has surely turned with the passing of Todd. May you know God’s peace and love now and forever more, my dear friend! (I regret I am out of the country and unable to extend my sympathies in person.)
Jeri (Mullen) Laser - Jun 17, 2019
Marcia and family, so sorry to hear about your dads passing. Now he is with your mom and brother and at peace. My sympathy and prayers at this difficult time.
Mick, Sandi and Michaella O’Brien - Jun 17, 2019
Matt, Mark and Marcia. We truly are so saddened over the loss of your wonderful Father. We couldn’t be more proud and happy to call him our friend and a wonderful neighbor that anyone could ever have. We loved him like Family. Our hearts are broken and will miss him dearly.
