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Charles Shay Obituary
A third generation member of the IATSE, the Broadway stagehands' union, Colonel Shay grew up in Forest Hills, NY. He joined the Marines in 1944 and, after WWII, enjoyed a brief stint playing football for the University of Alabama before reenlisting: first as an aviation cadet in the newly-formed Air Force, and finally as an Airborne Ranger in the Army. Among many accomplishments was his captainship of the Army's original HALO project, which made him a pioneer in high altitude skydiving. Over a 38 year career in the Armed Services, his commendations included The Silver Star (w/2 OLC), The Bronze Star (w/3 OLC & V Device), The World War II Victory Medal, The Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart (w/2 OLC), and the Legion of Merit.
After retiring from the service, he became an executive coach and was notable in Colorado Springs for his leadership as President of the Colorado Opera Festival and board member for Opera Theater of the Rockies.
He is survived by his loving wife Joanne; his children, Judeth, Kathleen, and Patrick; his brothers, Harold and William; and his four grandsons.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Monday, December 14, with a Rosary following, and a Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, December 15, all at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1830 South Corona Avenue. A reception will be held following the Mass. Interment will be at Ft. Logan National Cemetery on Wednesday, December 16. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in his name at woundedwarriorproject.org.
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ShrineOfRemembrance.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Shay
Spec 4 Gary L. Jech
June 24, 2021
I found this site way to late. I would have liked to tell him what I am going to write. I worked for Col. Shay from 1973 to 1974 at Ft. Carson, CO. He was one of the greatest men I know. I came to Ft. Carson the same time he did when he became the Deputy Installation Commander. There were two positions open. One was as a Clerk Typist and the other as a Driver. When I met him I told him he did not need another person for either position that I would do both. He told me I had 30 days to prove it. Fourteen months later I was still proving. The day I had left a lot of the friends I had in Headquarters had a cake for me leaving. Col. Shay told everyone that he was holding my job open for 30 days and if I came back I would have my job back. Wished I had. I did see Col. Shay a couple of months later and he said they needed two people to do the job I had. Because of my past growing up with family Col Shay was like a father to me. He taught me integrity and dedication to do a job right. Without the the time I spent with him I would not be the person I am today. He was a great teacher and set the right example. Loved his wife and children deeply. This world and our country lost a good man. Heaven gained a great one. God Bless
December 18, 2015
Served with Col Shay at Ft Eustis, VA in the Tng Spt Ctr in the 70's. He was my mentor and friend, a true professional soldier. My prayers to him and his family.
LTC (Ret) Richard Caravana
Cynthia Robinson
December 15, 2015
My deepest sympathies to Judeth, Joanne, Kathleen and Patrick. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. I'm privileged to have met the Colonel and enjoyed some conversations with him, and can only imagine the tremendous hole in your hearts.
Fran Pitaro
December 14, 2015
Served at Fort Carson during his tenure. He is a principle reason I was accepted for the boot strap program and had a successful 29 year Army career. God bless you and thank you for your mentorship
Clark Taylor
December 14, 2015
Was an honor to know COL Shay and his wonderful family. He is home now. Prayers and thoughts to Joanne, Judy, Kathleen and Patrick
Marcia Ragonetti
December 14, 2015
A mighty man, an equal lover of liberty and legato singing. A beacon of light in all he did, a positive force in the this challenging world. You will be surely and sorely missed by so many, sir.
Gerry Dillon
December 14, 2015
I was a Company Commander under "Shamrock" in Vietnam during some very trying times and he was exactly the kind of decisive, combat leader that we needed back then. I saw him again later at Fort Carson where he rescued me from a staff job and got me down to another command. Rest in Peace Sir. Strike Force!
Doug Oswald
December 13, 2015
RIP, Sir. Strike Force! C, 2/502.
Jim Brinker
December 13, 2015
I served under "Shamrock" in Vietnam. It was the most difficult of times , but his strong leadership made it better. God bless him and all that served our country. He has a great place in our history.
Victoria Hansen
December 12, 2015
Chuck Shay was a valiant man for his country as well as a loving man for his family, community & friends. I knew him as a a lover of life, supporter of the arts and champion of his kids' passions and projects. You are missed already.
December 12, 2015
Sending love and sympathy for your loss. I will miss his beaming smile at concerts. Such a dear man.
Tammy Teske Lenz
"Shamrock"
Richard Price
December 11, 2015
I served under this man in Vietnam and had the honor and privilege of calling this great man my friend over the past 12 years. You will truly be missed by all. My deepest condolences to the family.
Richard Lambchops Price
Susan Stewart
December 11, 2015
My deep sympathy and blessings to all of your family. Chuck left behind an amazing legacy. In Arizona so will sadly miss the service...
Connie Heidenreich
December 11, 2015
It was an honor and privilege to know this wonderful man. I'm grateful for his service to our country and our community. Prayers and blessings to him and his dear family.
December 10, 2015
Sending my condolences to the family. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time. (Psalm 29:11)
December 10, 2015
It was an honor to serve with you in C Co 2/502 101st 1970. RIP Sir.
Lila Mori
December 10, 2015
Rest in peace, my friend. Your absence among us here will be felt for many years to come. A truly remarkable man.
Brandi & Matt Larsen
December 10, 2015
We're sending our deepest sympathies to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May his memory be a blessing.
December 10, 2015
Colonel Charles "Shamrock" Shay commanded the 2nd Battalion 502nd Infantry in which I served during 1970 in Vietnam. He led us through some very tough battles and was always there when we needed him. He will be missed. Welcome home, Brother Shay.
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