Thomas D. Shea

SPRINGFIELD/WINTER HAVEN, FL - Tom was a many year resident of Springfield MA and wintered in Winter Haven, Florida for the past 22 years. Occupation: Tom was an insurance agent with Allstate for 28 years. He owned and operated his own insurance agency for nine years. Churches and Clubs: Tom was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Springfield, MA for 55 years and a member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Winter Haven, Florida for 22 years.

Military Involvement: Tom honorably served in West Germany, with the United States Army, from 1950 to 1952. This was just the beginning of his life-long patriotic commitment. Tom was a proud American. Tom graduated from Cathedral High School in 1946 and from American International College (A.I.C., Springfield MA) in 1959. He served for several years as the President of the A.I.C. Alumni Association. He was on the A.I.C. Board of Trustee for seven years in the 1970s. Tom married Pearl (Shader) on April 24, 1960 at Immaculate Heart Church in Indian Orchard, MA. They had three children together, Maureen, Kevin and Bryan.

As a man, Tom epitomized what a man should be to his family and community. He was a gentle man and a gentleman to all that he met; intelligent, kind and humorous. Years before environmentalism was nationally popular, Tom was environmentally mindful. He spent many hours beautifying his community. Tom did this in his quiet and humble manner. He rescued stray animals and found homes (often his own) for abandoned animals.

He was an intelligent man, who loved the English language. Always a student, he found joy in American history and sharing our national story with family and friends. He fostered the love of learning in his children. Tom was an athlete from youth and well into his retirement years. He played and followed baseball. Tom was an avid runner and golfer. He may not have been the best or fastest, but he was always there trying and enjoying the game. As he said about life in his later years, “I know I am in extra innings, but I still enjoy the game.”

Tom is survived by his loving family. These include his wife of 55 years, Pearl Shea; his sister, Lillian Griffin (Bondsville, MA); his three children, Maureen Marotte (Springfield MA), Kevin and his wife Tracie (Hardwick, MA) and Bryan (Canton, New York). Tom had seven grandchildren; Daryll Marotte and his wife Justine (Springfield, MA); Alex and Benjamin Marotte (Springfield, MA); Maura and Elizabeth Shea (Hardwick, MA); Madeleine Shea (Melbourne Australia) and Johanna Shea (Canton, New York). Tom is also survived by two great-grandchildren Travis and Ethan Marotte (Springfield MA). Tom has two nieces, Catherine Griffin (North Carolina) and Patricia Griffin Globa (California) Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Johanna Shea, and his nephew, Bernard J. Griffin, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to two organizations which grounded his life: American International College 1000 State Street Springfield MA 01109 American Legion, Post 275 41 Robbins Road Chicopee Falls, MA 01020 Tom loved his family above all else. Truly, Tom was one of the great men who graced our earth. You will be deeply and profoundly missed.

The family will receive friends at 1 P.M. on June 8, 2015 at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA followed by burial with military honors in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. Visit www.nefcc.net