William A. Shine, Former Great Neck Superintendent, Dies At 93

GREAT NECK, NY — Dr. William A. Shine, a former Great Neck Public Schools superintendent and the namesake of Great Neck South High, died on Jan. 28. He was 93.

Born in White Plains on April 22, 1928, Shine received his undergraduate degree at Iona College and his Doctor of Education from Rutgers University, according to Blank Slate Media. He also served in the Marine Corps before starting his tenure in education.

Shine served as superintendent of Great Neck Public Schools from 1982 until 2004. That makes him the second-longest serving superintendent in Great Neck Schools' history — only trailing John L. Miller whose tenure lasted 28 years.

South High School was officially named after Shine in 2006.

After serving as superintendent in Great Neck, Shine worked for Manhasset's school district. At one point, he was the interim superintendent.

Loving posts flooded his obituary's message board online, with colleagues and friends alike sharing stories about how he touched their lives and made a lasting impact on the public schools he served.

"When I think of Bill, I think of integrity, intellect, compassion, and most of all a deep commitment to doing what was best for kids," said Joanna Miller, who identified herself as his colleague in the post. "He was a role model and guiding light in my professional life, and for that I am forever grateful."

She added: "Dr. Shine would talk about the 'empty chair,' which taught me to not be swayed by the loudest voice or the squeakiest wheel. It was a lesson that became deeply ingrained as part of my being, and one that I imparted to teachers as a principal, and to aspiring principals in my retirement. To this day, I frequently think about how Bill would react in certain situations; many times I will quote him; his wisdom and lessons remain ever relevant."

Bobbie Preiser, who said he served as E.M. Baker Elementary School's PTA president in the '80s, described Shine as "very fair and caring."

"I fondly remember when my daughter was a student at G.N. North High School and they were between principals, Dr. Shine thought nothing of taking over that role along with his duties of Supt. of Great Neck Schools until the proper principal was found," he wrote. "He was a very special person and I offer my deepest sympathy to Susan and the rest of his family."

In an interview with Blank Slate Media, wife Susan Shine said preliminary plans have been made to have a celebration of his life at Great Neck South High School this spring.