Daniel Shilling

Daniel E. Shilling, 89, of Conneaut Lake, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, at TCU Grove Street in Meadville.

Born on December 14, 1936, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Dan was the son of John Hugh Shilling and Ruth (Stainbrook) Shilling. He graduated from Meadville Area Senior High School in 1954, where he served as class president and was a member of the 1954 PA state semifinalist basketball team.

He was an accomplished baseball player in his youth, and his passion for the sport continued into coaching as his sons grew into the game. He was an avid hunter and golfer, achieving a hole in one in 2004. Dan was a lifelong and passionate fan of the Cleveland Indians/Guardians and the Cleveland Browns.

Following graduation, Dan began his career in construction. In 1959, he joined the family business, Shilling Builders, eventually assuming ownership in 1973 until his retirement in 2000. Dan took great pride in the lasting legacy that Shilling Builders left Meadville and the surrounding communities.

Dan was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. He was deeply involved in the Meadville community and was proud of his service as Past Master of Meadville Masonic Lodge No. 234. He was also active in the Kismet Grotto, a member of the Meadville Elks Lodge No. 219, Vernon Central Volunteer Fire Department Station 3, and the Meadville Club.

He was first married to Polly (Simpson) Shilling for 29 years, and together they shared two sons, David and Douglas. In 1985, he married Sharon (Ritter) Szydlowski, and the couple would have celebrated 41 years of marriage in September.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Shilling of Conneaut Lake; his sons, David (Jill) Shilling of Hastings, Michigan, and Douglas (Tracy) Shilling of Flowery Branch, Georgia; Sharon’s children, David Ritter, Andrea Ritter, and Michelle Smith; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard Shilling and his wife Mary, John “Jack” Shilling and his wife Marilyn, and Ron Shilling (survived by his wife Jeanie), an infant sister, Shirley, and by a grandson, Austin Shilling.

A private funeral will be held, followed by a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

Please sign the guestbook at www.hatheway-tedesco.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dickson Funeral Home and Crematory 130 N. 2nd St., Conneaut Lake, PA 16316 Rocco R. Tedesco III, Supervisor.