Paul F. Shea

Paul F. Shea, age 85, passed away in his Mansfield, Massachusetts home on Friday, August 12, 2016. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 5, 1931, he was the 8th child of 10 born to the late Michael J. and Mary T. (McEachern) Shea. He was raised on Oakview Terrace in Jamaica Plain and attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School. At the age of 13, Paul took his first job with his father in the family's grocery store, Shea's Market. Since his brothers were serving in World War II, he drove his father to make all of the deliveries. Paul went on to graduate from Saint Mary's High School in Brookline with the Class of 1948. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He was stationed aboard the USS Missouri, where he was responsible for firing the large deck guns. In 1954, Paul was honorably discharged after attaining the rank of Seaman First Class.

Upon his return home from the Navy, Paul met the love of his life, Ellen F. Coppinger, in 1955. They were married on September 3, 1956 and made their home together in Mattapan. Paul began working for the Boston Edison Company, working in the substations. He and Ellen welcomed their first 3 children and Paul began taking night classes at Northeastern University to earn his degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1963, after earning his associates degree, Paul moved his family to Cranmore Road in Norwood. While on Cranmore Road, he and Ellen welcomed 2 more children and Paul shifted into a sales position with the Edison. He also joined the Boston Home Builders Association and built his first house on Worcester Drive in Norwood in 1965. In 1968 their famly sized increased with the addition of their 6th child. While Paul's family loved living in this neighborhood, they always looked forward to their yearly vacation on the bayside of Cape Cod.

In the early 1980's, Paul purchased a motorhome and he and Ellen enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada. After the arrival of his first grandchild in 1985, Paul decided it was time to retire and did so in 1986. This allowed Paul and Ellen time to travel all over the world, however they always returned to their favorite place, Cape Cod. Because of their love for the Cape, Paul built a beautiful home in Yarmouthport in 1992, where they lived for 24 years. Paul treasured the memories made when his grandchildren came to visit and loved taking them to play miniature golf at Pirates Cove, as well as going for ice cream at Smugglers where they would sit on the big rock.

In his spare time, Paul enjoyed golfing and woodworking. He also loved to shop, he was always buying new clothes and showing up at home with a new car was not out of the ordinary.

Beloved husband of Ellen F. (Coppinger) Shea.
Loving father of Mary Ellen Caro of Alexandria, VA, Elizabeth A. Paisner of Dover, Paul M. Shea of Atkinson, NH, Patricia J. Hilts of Walpole, Brian J. Shea of Medway and Joanne M. Mey of Medway.
Cherished grandfather of Michael, David, Teresa, Alex, Ian, Connor, Sean, Suzanne, John, Natalie, Lauren, and Brendan.
Brother of Sr. Geraldine Shea of Brighton, Sr. Mary Shea of Framingham, Barbara Shea of Scituate, the late William Shea, Edward Shea, John Shea, Robert Shea, Katherine Roycroft, and Patricia Friel.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Paul's Life Celebration in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, WALPOLE on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 from 4 to 7PM and Wednesday, August 17, 2016 from 9 to 9:30AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Mary's Church East Walpole on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Interment in Massachusetts National Cemetery will be private. Memorial donations may be made to: Walpole VNA, PO Box 252, Walpole, MA 02081.