Obituary of Joseph G. Shea

Joseph G. Shea 72, of Duxbury Joe passed suddenly on January 31. He was the loving husband of the late Jacqueline (Kress) and is survived by his children: David and wife Kathleen of Pembroke, Susan and partner Nicci Meadow of Norwell , Andrew of Duxbury; grandchildren Ryan and Christopher Shea of Pembroke, Hayden Shea-Meadow of Norwell, sister Gerry Townsend of Florida and many nieces and nephews. As a child growing up in Jamaica Plain, he considered the Arnold Arboretum to be his personal playground, and he was granted access to the Adult section of Boston Public Library Branch in Jamaica Plain after he read every single book in the children’s section. You may have seen him then boosting rides on the back bumper of streetcars. As a young naval aviator he reveled in terrifying himself flying the A-1 Skyraider from the aircraft carriers the U.S.S Essex and U.S.S. Coral Sea., including missions over Vietnam early in the war and as a pilot instructor. He retired as a Commander in the US Navy, and went on to work for Delta Airlines, as Captain for the Boeing 727, 757, and 767. Joe enjoyed a life long love affair with reading and was a self-taught historian. He loved to share his knowledge of history and devoured research materials for the pleasure of knowing and sharing. One of his proudest moments was researching and enabling the reconstruction of the WWI War Memorial in Duxbury. As an active member of First Parish Church in Duxbury, Joe served on many committees and thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and lifelong friendships that he formed there. Joe was very active on town committees through the years and while serving as Sealer of Weights and Measures authored a manual for the job, which was reproduced and distributed by the Commonwealth to all Cities and Towns. He was also a long serving member of the Highway Safety Committee and the Municipal Commission on Disabilities. His community connections meant the world to him, but his most important work was always family. He stood firmly and anchored those around him through the strongest storms with his wisdom, wit, and willpower. There never was a happier man than Joe Shea, surrounded by his children, grandchildren and loving wife. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at First Parish Church, 842 Tremont St., Duxbury, MA at 2:00. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the joseph G. Shea Memorial Fund c/o Rockland Trust Company, P.O. Box 1627, Duxbury, MA 02331. Funds will be used to do a good turn, supporting local scouts in need.