Published July 9, 2021
NAPLES, FL — Richard (Dick) Shea of Naples, Florida, formerly of Melrose and Osterville, MA, passed away on May 26 at the age of 84 due to complications with Parkinson’s Disease while surrounded by his loving family.
Dick is survived by his beautiful wife of 62 years, Barbara (Beaudoin) Shea, five children, 14 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His family includes: son Michael and Lynn Shea of Melrose, MA, with their children Matthew, Megan, Ryan, Michael, and great-grandchild Thomas; daughter Patricia and Steve Bergey of Chapel Hill, NC, with their children Colin and Camden; son Stephen Shea of Melrose, MA with his children Amanda and Sara; son Brian and Katie Shea of Lynnfield, MA with their children Emily, Thomas, and Patrick; daughter Catherine and Derek Thexton of Augusta, GA with their children Emma, Grace, and Jack; and sister Shirley of Wakefield, MA and her children Kevin and Jimmy.
Dick graduated from Malden Catholic High School where he was a captain of the varsity golf team as well as a member of the orchestra. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Boston College, a member of the All-State golf team and he was a recipient of the Francis Ouimet Scholarship. Dick graduated from BC in 1958, then commissioned to the Army and assigned to serve in Germany for nearly four years where he achieved the rank of Captain. He formed an association with a local orphanage bringing smiles to children’s faces, coached a military travel basketball team, and earned an Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service.
Dick owned and operated the T.H.Glennon company for 42 years. T.H Glennon is still going strong today under the leadership of his son Brian.
Dick was a true pillar of the community and served his faith in many capacities over the years. He was a Eucharistic Minister at Incarnation Catholic Church. He also served on the Board of Directors for Melrose-Wakefield Hospital for nearly a decade, including serving as President for two consecutive terms. Under his leadership and vision, the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital golf day fundraiser ran successfully for 25 years. He also founded the Boston Cardiac Foundation which still provides for the community today.
Dick enjoyed watching his alma mater, Boston College, play football and basketball. He was also a dedicated Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots fan. Dick loved the game of golf, he was a student of the game and worked hard at maintaining a single-digit handicap for well over 30 years! Dick was a fierce competitor, he enjoyed golfing with his buddies and poking fun at each other after a round. His love of golf led him to serve on the Board of Directors at both Bellevue Golf Club and Oyster Harbors Club. Dick was also chosen as the President of Bellevue for two years and Oyster Harbors for three years (which he considered one of his greatest honors in life). He also served on the Massachusetts Golf Association Board for six years and was a long-time member of the New England Senior Golf Association.
Dick and his family would like to thank everyone who encouraged and supported him throughout his life and during his battle with Parkinson’s. Dick lived a full and successful life leaving a wonderful legacy of treating all he encountered with integrity, respect, and grace. A special acknowledgement to Avow Hospice and Home Instead of Naples, FL for their dedication and compassion.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in his honor at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose on Saturday July 10, 2021 at 10 a.m., followed by an interment with military honors at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation or The Boston Cardiac Foundation. https://www.parkinson.org/ways-to-give or https://www.bostoncardiacfoundation.org/ To leave an online message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
