William “Bill” Albert Shuey III of West Yarmouth, MA, 79 years old, passed away on June 22, 2026 due to illness.
He leaves his devoted wife of 37 years, Frances Musco Shipps. He was surrounded by the love and care of children and grandchildren: Lillian Shuey Picchione, husband AJ, and grandchildren Avery and Elizabeth; Jessica Shipps Pill, husband Grant, and granddaughter Madeline; Dennis Hul, wife Kareya, and granddaughter Olivia; Kimberley Kangos; grandson Nicholas Kangos and wife Lorrainy; and grandson Benjamin Kangos and wife Amanda.
Bill was born on December 28, 1946 in Berkeley, California to William Albert Shuey, Jr. and Elizabeth Bodman. He was the oldest of four: Geoffrey Shuey, Marnie Simon, and Jennifer Spaeth.
Bill loved language, literature and movies. A polyglot, he spoke English, Spanish, German and Turkish, and could make himself understood in French and Portuguese. He was never afraid to say a few words at an occasion, or to connect with a stranger about their language and history.
After time in the Peace Corps (Turkey 1968-’70), earning his MAT at Harvard, and as a Vista volunteer, Bill served as Executive Director of Project Persona and its successor, the International Institute of Rhode Island. Bill provided a clear voice for immigrants during 32 years leading an agency that provided a first stop for refugees from around the globe. His most cherished professional accomplishment was founding the International Charter School (ICS) in Pawtucket, RI.
Bill enjoyed long swims in the ocean at his home with Frances on Cape Cod. They shared a love of tennis, travel, and good food, and maintained close friendships over meals and movies. Bill did not enjoy rules. Locked doors, no trespassing signs, visiting hours and library limits were all flexible. Most of all, we remember him for his gentle presence in our lives, always reaching out, popping by, and dropping a pun or well-punctuated note.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on August 24, 2026 at Agawam Hunt, 15 Roger Williams Avenue, Rumford, RI, from 10:30AM to 1:30PM. During this time, friends and family are invited to gather together to share memories and stories.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Bill’s memory to ICS, https://internationalcharterschool.org or to the Providence Athenaeum, https://providenceathenaeum.org Attn: Bill Shuey Late Fee Fund.
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