William Francis Shea Obituary

SALEM- Mr. William Francis Shea, 92, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 24, 2016 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in West Roxbury with family by his side.

Born on June 3, 1924 to Jeremiah and Anna (Hennessey) Shea, from Ireland, he was raised and educated in Salem and attended Salem Schools.

An honorably discharged veteran, Mr. Shea served as a gunner's mate in the United States Navy during World War II. He saw live action in both the Pacific and European theatres; he took great pride in this and often shared numerous stories. He was awarded many medals and honors for his service and valor.

Bill founded Shea Roofing Company in Salem over 70 years ago and remained active in the company in partnership with his son, Bill Shea, until the day of his passing. During his long career, he employed hundreds of local roofers, many of whom later started their own roofing companies throughout the North Shore. He was very well respected and highly regarded among his peers and colleagues in the roofing industry.

He was a member of the American Legion Herman A Spear Post #331 in Beverly and a former member of the Beverly Elks Lodge #1309.

Bill was well-known for his humor, his love of music and dancing and his Catholic faith. He was a very thoughtful, passionate and giving man throughout his life as shown through his love for his family and his many cherished friendships.

Bill is survived by the love of his life, Arline Cormier of Hamilton, his five children and their spouses: Christine Simpson, Kathleen and Chris O'Shea, Michael Shea, Virginia Shea, Maureen and John Tanzella, and Bill and Kate Shea, all of Beverly, his 20 grandchildren and his 12 great-grandchildren, Arline's children, Cindy Clark and Sheri and Tom Berube and families. He is pre-deceased by his wife Rebecca E. (Francis) Shea, his son-in-law Harry Simpson, and his six siblings, Mary Coletti, Anna Roy Daniel, Thomas, Jeremiah and Richard Shea.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be held from the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (rte 62) Danvers, Friday, Dec. 2nd at 9 A.M. followed by his funeral Mass in the Immaculate Conception Church, Hawthorne Blvd., Salem at 10 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Beverly. Visiting hours Thursday, Dec. 1st from 4 to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Bill's memory to the VA Hospital – Bedford, C/O Volunteer Services, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730. (Please include Bill's name & family contact info in Donation) To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com