Matthew H. Shea

SHEA, Matthew H. Philosophical thinker, family comedian, and Jimmy Fund Clinic patient, died in Children's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. At 27 years old, he had the life perspective of someone well beyond his years. Born in Boston on May 20, 1985, he was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts and graduated from Walpole High School with the class of 2004. Before his first battle with cancer, running track and putting to use his long strides was one of his greatest pleasures. Matt went on to graduate from Tufts University with the class of 2008. It was at Tufts that he was introduced to his other great love, political theory. He excelled at his studies and the discussions around political science and was the recipient of the Myers Award for Academic Achievement. Matt lived valiantly with cancer for over ten years. Throughout this time, and his five recurrences, Matt was strong and gracious, and fought these battles using humor and laughter as his most powerful weapons. Finding deep support and strength in his 'Jimmy Fund Family', Matt went on to volunteer at the Jimmy Fund Clinic during one of his all too brief remissions. Inspired by the medical community that supported him he became a certified EMT and while at Tufts went with the Timmy Fund to the Dominican Republic to deliver medical care just 2 weeks after one of his cancer surgeries. Matt has been a resident of Rockport, Massachusetts for the past 4 years, moving there from Walpole. Matt enjoyed learning and world travel immensely, quickly making friends around the globe on his visits to Italy, France, Ireland, Bermuda and mostly recently Singapore.

Devoted son of Philip Shea of Bridgewater and Kathleen O'Neill of Rockport. Loving brother of Meghan Shea and Mike Rogers of Rockport. Cherished grandson of Gertrude (Legge) Shea of Stoneham and the late Philip Shea and Gertrude (Howard) O'Neill of Malden and the late John O'Neill. Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and his namesake Matthew O'Neill (age 2).

Funeral from the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home 48 Common Street WALPOLE on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 9:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, East Street (Route 27) at Diamond Street Walpole at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours are Monday, April 22, 2013 from 4-8 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund c/o Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284.