John L. Shea

 Obituary for John L. Shea

John “Jack” Lawrence Shea, 87, of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away on July 7, 2020 in Allentown, Pennsylvania of natural causes in the arms of his daughter, Jacqueline S. McLaughlin, and son-in-law, Bryan K. McLaughlin. He resided in Pennsylvania throughout his last five years to be close to his Pennsylvania family and grandchildren.

Memorial services were held on September 27, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Pine Hill Cemetery, Southbury, Connecticut. This humble town was a place he cherished as child.

Jack was born Elmshurst, New York to Lawrence Richard Shea and Nancy Hveem Shea on February 22, 1933. He was educated in the New York City Public School System and St. Bartholomew’s Catholic School, Elmhurst, New York. He worked as an Automotive Manager for Sears, Roebuck & Co. for twenty-five years in Newburgh, New York and Naples, Florida. He then owned and operated Jack’s Painting for nearly two decades while residing in Bonita Springs, Florida. He was a veteran and served in the Air Force from 1949-1952. He was a proud Irishman who loved Notre Dame football; relished American history, especially the Civil War; worked hard to raise and care for his four children; lived without material possessions; adored his grandchildren; and nurtured and protected every living creature that he encountered. He particularly loved dachshunds.

Jack is predeceased by his sister, Florence Shea Turner, and survived by his four children and their spouses: Deborah S. Schiraldi and husband Michael of Washingtonville, New York; Jacqueline S. McLaughlin and Bryan of Fogelsville, Pennsylvania; Patrick. T. Shea of Berlin, Wisconsin; and Terrance J. Shea and Shannon of Port Richey, Florida. His beloved grandchildren include: Terrance J. Shea, Jr.; Alyson N. Reach; Erin M. Sherman; Matthew C. Schiraldi; Brigit M. Hoffman; Amber L. Shea; Patrick J. McLaughlin; and, Hannah E. Shea.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to his surviving siblings for their endless support and love: Nancy Metcalf, his devoted sister of Roxbury, Connecticut; Larry and Metzi Shea, his dear brother and sister-in-law of Port Jefferson, New York; and Francis Davey his loving sister of Hilton Head, South Carolina.