A gentle and sweet man who was proud of his Irish heritage
MELROSE — Joseph T. Shea, formerly of Melrose, passed away on March 3, 2023, at the age of 88.
Joseph was born and raised in Melrose. He attended St. Mary’s school and worked in the transportation industry. Joe loved his annual trip to the Catskills for Irish music and dancing. He had a musical ear and could be found many times playing his spoons with the band. Joe traveled to Ireland and talked frequently about his trips. He was so proud of his Irish heritage. Usually dressed head to toe in green on St. Patrick’s Day—humming ” Danny boy.”
Joe loved puzzles and could throw a 1000-piece puzzle together like it was no one’s business. Joe loved all things Boston sports! Bruins first followed by Patriots and of course a huge Tom Brady fan. Joe cherished his family—his favorite times were gathering around the holiday table for a home cooked meal. Just being together was Joe’s happy place. It was the simple pleasures to Joe – taking a ride in the car with the sunroof open and stopping for black raspberry ice cream. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Joe was blessed. He grounded you. He humbled you. His honesty, innocence, and unconditional love was true and pure. He was a gentle man, a sweet soul. Joe had strong faith and devotion to the rosary. Kept his Connemara marble rosary beads within arm’s reach. God bless Joe. He touched so many and will be truly missed.
Devoted son of the late Joseph and Margaret (O’Leary) Shea. Caring brother of Eleanor Galvin and her husband Bart of Wakefield and the late Robert Shea and his wife Mary of N.H. Cherished uncle of Kathleen Sherman and her husband Robert of Saugus, Dennis Galvin and his wife Denise of Bradford, Sheila Gamst and her husband Larry of Melrose and the late Timothy Galvin. Great uncle of Ali, Brendan, Joseph, Timothy, Thomas, Timothy and William. Also survived by relatives and friends.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
To sign online condolence, visit www.gatelyfh.com
