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Cornelius Shea Obituary
March 22, 1935 - December 15, 2012. Cornelius Patrick (Neil) Shea was born in Newport, Rhode Island on March 22, 1935 to Cornelius and Katherine (Spollen) Shea and went to heaven on December 15th, 2012. Neil is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Lisbeth (Sue) Nichols Shea and his children Neil (Vicki), Christopher (Mary), Lisa (Carl), and Bethany (Dan) and his grandchildren Austin, Tierney, Connor, Tyler, Nick, and Collin Shea, Kane (Ellie) Kimble and their children Haley and Bailey. He is also survived by his sister Constance Unangst, sister-in-law Linda Nichols and numerous nieces and nephews. Neil was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bobby, and his daughter Shelley. Neil graduated from Manhattan College with a degree in electrical engineering and went to graduate studies at Syracuse University. Beginning his career in 1955 with GE (Honeywell), he initially worked on advanced missile defense systems and then moved into computer design helping to launch an industry that changed the world in which he worked for over 30 years. After leaving Honeywell he went to work for Varian from which he finally retired from in 2007. Neil had a keen interest in technology, history and world events and was truly a life-long learner. This, plus his unwavering principals, earned him the respect on a technical, professional, and personal level of everyone that ever worked with him or met him. Neil's commitment to his wife and family was unshakeable and a remarkable example for all to see. Beyond his family, he was genuinely interested in and cared about everyone he met. We were blessed to have Neil in our lives and already miss him more deeply than words can express. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Huger Mercy Living Center on Friday, December 21st at 1pm at 2345 W. Orangewood Ave in Phoenix. Interment burial will take place at Holy Redeemer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Huger Mercy Living Center located at 2345 W. Orangewood Ave Phoenix, AZ 85021. www.almoore-grimshaw.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Cornelius Shea
Kane Kimble
December 21, 2012
March 1935 - December 2012
"For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash."
During his Dash, Neil was a son, husband, friend, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He raised wonderful children who in turn raised wonderful children and in doing so his legacy lives on. I am so proud to be a part of his dash and my life is richer for having him in it. Thank you for the man you were and the example you set.
-Kane
Eugene & Kathleen Matesi
December 21, 2012
To Neil & Vicki Shea,
Our condolences on the loss of your father. He was a good friend and we remember all the good times with both your mom and dad. He will be sorely missed.
Kathleen Wolf
December 21, 2012
To the family of this great man I send my sympathy over your loss. I light this candle in honor of Niel. Niel was a friend and Co-worker of mine for many years at Varian. He was a tremendous knowledge and teacher in so many ways. The world has lost a true good samaritan.
Jack Viola
December 21, 2012
I had the great pleasure to work in the same group with Neil for several years at Varian. There are very few people one encounters in life the caliber of Neil. He was an exceptional man with a keen intelect and depth of knowledge on all manner of topics. Especially history! But more than that he was possessed of compassion and a genuine humanity that made every interaction with him a pleasure. I am deeply saddened by his passing but much richer for having known him.
Norman Lane
December 20, 2012
Dear Shea Family,
All who knew Neil mourn with you at the loss of this great man.
I enjoyed working with Neil and his friendship over the years. Neil taught me many things, in particular that most problems can be solved with a pipe and an oscilloscope! Neil was a true "Wizard" of our time and I will miss him.
Nam Cao
December 20, 2012
Mr. Cornelius Shea,
I just got message from your son today. It is sad that you are leaving us. You are gift from heaven sending down to us. And it had been pleasure to work with you for years. I will always remember you as a good man, good counselor.
May God bless and comfort your loved ones.
December 20, 2012
You were a great Uncle I will miss you and our interesting phone call. Love You, Lori Unangst MacDonald
bill shelly
December 20, 2012
A valued,trusted friend from our initial work days together in 1956 at GE in Syracuse,NY. We could always look forward to his good humor and cheerful, encouraging greeting , so welcome in those long cold winters.
Tierney Shea
December 20, 2012
Gramps, you were and still are an amazing man and role model. You will be deeply missed and I will never forget all of the wonderful memories I have of you. Every time I eat a Dove bar I will instantly think of you. And of course I will never forget the day you "hanged" up on me. Love you!
Tierney Rose Shea
Tierney Shea
December 20, 2012
Gramps, you were and still are an amazing man and role model. You will be deeply missed and I will never forget all of the wonderful memories I have of you. Every time I eat a Dove bar I will instantly think of you. And of course I will never forget the day you "hanged" up on me. Love you!
Tierney Rose Shea
Vicki Shea
December 20, 2012
A great man......a great father-in-law! We will miss you Dad. You are one in a million. Vicki Matesi Shea
Gregg Unangst
December 20, 2012
You were and still are a great man Uncle Neil and will be missed by all. Love you and miss you Uncle Neil.
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
December 19, 2012
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
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A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries Bethany Chapel710 West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013
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