Story ID: 
Sheltair's William McShane Passes Away
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: A Sheltair executive, McShane was revered as a "Long Island aviation icon" for his business aviation advocacy in the reigon.
Word Count: 232
William McShane, 61, v-p of business development and special projects for Sheltair who made his mark as a business aviation advocate in Long Island, New York, died on May 12 after a battle with glioblastoma.

Revered by the Long Island Business News as a “Long Island aviation icon,” McShane was credited for bringing the Bethpage Air Show to Jones Beach on Long Island more than 15 years ago and ensuring it became an annual attraction. His advocacy led him to become a founding member, former president, and board member of the Long Island Business Aviation Association. He also had served as a board member of the New York Aviation Management Association and founded the nonprofit Aerospace Education Corp., NBAA said.

He had spent more than a dozen years with Sheltair in business development management roles. McShane steered the FBO’s expansion in New York, including the construction of a new hangar complex at Republic Airport.

NBAA honored McShane in 2014 with the NBAA Silk Scarf Award for his contributions to the business aviation industry. “Bill was highly admired in the aviation community, with a career marked by service, professionalism, and insightful leadership,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “Bill’s passing will be felt throughout the New York region and across the industry.”

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Maryellen, and three children.