A brilliant, quick witted man who had an incredible memory
CARIBOU, Maine Lawrence L. Shea Jr. (Larry) passed away peacefully on September 24, 2021 at his home from end-stage kidney failure, unexpectedly diagnosed in January 2020. Larry now resides with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in a place of perfect peace.

Larry was born on November 10, 1945 in Chelsea, the son of Lawrence L. Shea Sr. and Eleanor L. (Molberg) Shea. He grew up in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School. He then graduated from Boston College in 1971 and from UMass in Amherst in 1975.

Prior to moving to Caribou, Larry was active in the family advertising business and because of his love for learning, he volunteered his time for many years at a bookstore in Cambridge.

Larry impressed everyone with his brilliant, analytical mind, quick wit and unlimited depth and scope of knowledge, as the thousands of books he acquired over the years are testimony. He was also gifted with keen intuition and an incredible memory.

Larry was a true life-long warrior. Despite being diagnosed with paralytic polio at age nine, Larry went on to fully recover and excel in athletics, notably varsity ice hockey. He continued to be active in sports up until he became seriously ill. Larry’s warrior spirit prevailed throughout his illness and he greatly surpassed the medical expectations of his prognosis. When contemplating what the future might hold, Larry would say “my plan is God’s plan.”

Larry is survived by Christine Y. Brown of Caribou, who feels very blessed to have shared for many years with Larry a strong and unique bond of deep love and friendship that always defied definition.

Larry is also survived by his beloved son, Danab A. Shea and wife, Carly (Sullivan), of Malden, MA; his sisters: Barbara Bell of Lynn, Louise Shea of Malden, Eleanor Shea-Delaney of Dedham and Marianne Shea of Westwood; and a brother William Rothwell of Louisville, KY. He is also survived by many very special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Larry was predeceased by his sister, Claire J. Weeks, of Avon and his brother, Robert Rothwell, of Massena, NY.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the Parish of the Precious Blood Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Grimes Cemetery, Caribou. Following the burial, friends and family are invited to a time of continued fellowship and refreshments at the Holy Rosary Parish Center.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the County Dialysis Team, as well as to Dr. McFadgen, and the nurses at Northern Light Family Practice in Presque Isle for their compassionate care. Also, a very special thank you to Father Dave at the Parish of the Precious Blood for his spiritual guidance and support.

Those who wish to contribute in memory of Larry may do so through the National Kidney Foundation. Donations may be made at: https://www.kidney.org/donation.