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Patrick Shea Obituary
July 5, 1944 - June 24, 2017
Cary
Patrick "Pat" Joseph Shea, 72, of Cary died on June 24, 2017. Pat was born in Washington D.C. He attended UNC Chapel Hill, where he played football. After receiving his bachelor's degree, he joined the Officer Candidate School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He fought in the Vietnam War, and achieved the rank of First Lieutenant. He left active duty and joined the reserves where he became Captain. During that time, Pat also coached football on the Quantico Marine Base in Virginia.
After his time in the military, Pat began a 29 year long career as a federal agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Following his retirement, he began working for DARE America. He went on to become a football coach at Green Hope High School in Cary, where he coached for many years.
Pat is survived by his wife, MaryAnn Shea; children, Ryan Shea, Joseph Shea (Carmela) and Coleen Shea; five grandchildren; and siblings, James Shea, John Shea and Josephine Kendall. Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Marjorie Shea; daughter, Shannon Shea; and three brothers, Edmund Shea, Jr., William Shea and Robert Shea.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 29 from 4:00-8:00pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 30 at 11:00am at St. Michael Catholic Church, 804 High House Rd, Cary, with a reception to follow in the parish hall. Condolences may be made online at www.BrownWynneCary.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Shea
Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.
Drew Smith
October 15, 2017
I am sorry for the lateness of this entry. I have been trying to locate Pat for some time and just found his obituary. I served as his platoon Sgt. in the USMC.Later we both went into law enforcement. He in DEA . I with the Trenton NJ PD and Mercer County Prosecutors Office. Ran into him in Miami in the 80's during a joint investigation. Insisted that I stay at his home at that time.
I am deeply sorrowed at his passing. A true gentlemen and credit to his profession. I am glad to see that he enjoyed life to its fullest.
Melissa Cortese
July 19, 2017
Dear Mary Ann, Joe, Colleen, and Ryan,
I'm so sorry that Pat is gone. It's hard to imagine the world without his big personality. He had an ability to find humor in almost every situation and his eyes twinkled when he did. That's how we all knew it was ok to laugh too. If there was ever an example of a "brother from another mother" and father, then Pat and my dad were it. Pat was family. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to NC to see you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. All my love, Melissa
George Whelan
July 8, 2017
What a man !
Tina W Kwik
July 5, 2017
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Pat was one of the good guys and he will be missed.
July 5, 2017
Coach, you always had a smile and an encouraging word. You have touched the lives of many and will be dearly misses
Frank White
July 3, 2017
Sometimes the Marine defines the man, in Pat's case, the character of the man defined what it means to be a Marine.
Pat always accomplished his mission with exceptional verve and efficiency. Calm and congenial, Pat displayed initiative and boldness.
Pat was direct of speech, a gift of quiet humor and an instinct for the human side of a situation.
While others struggle or waiver Pat was always in forward march gear. While others criticize Pat stuck with his beliefs, a Marine.
Semper Fi
Frank White
Brian Dendler
June 30, 2017
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle Pat. He was one of those larger than life men that I had the pleasure to know as a child. Though I lost contact with him over the years, I thought of him often.
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Shea team.
Sam Hill
June 29, 2017
"SEMPER FI" my friend, thank you for being a mentor to me and the guys back in Nassau, especially Coleman. God Bless. If your family needs anything.Sam Hill
Charlie Ephland
June 29, 2017
Pat will be missed greatly by all who knew him. He was a loyal friend to everyone whose life he touched..., in so many ways. Oh..., for just one more Saturday afternoon in Kenan Stadium, or one more round of golf at Finley. Rest well, my friend, until we meet again. You are unforgettable. Heart-felt best wishes to friends and family.
Logan Shafer
June 29, 2017
Thank you for everything you have done. You were a great coach and an even better mentor. We will miss you!
Tom Golden
June 28, 2017
I will forever miss that awesome man - Patrick Joseph Shea. An incredible honor to have known him. My condolences to team Shea.
Steve Moran
June 28, 2017
Dear MaryAnn and family. I was deeply saddened to learn of Pat's passing. Pat was an outstanding Special Agent. It was a privilege to know and work with both Pat and yourself. Pat will live forever in the memories of those of us who were in the New York Field Division during the early days of BNDD/DEA. Pat, with his inseparable partner and sidekick SA Ray Kobyra, were truly legends in the realm of drug enforcement. I will miss him.
Michael Dolan
June 28, 2017
I am sorry to have heard of Pat's passing. He was my ASAC in Raleigh, NC. He was professional and knowledgeable about the job, yet treated one with respect and kindness. A wonderful example of a good person and supervisor. A person I am glad to have known. Condolences to the family. RIP Pat.
Stephen Briggs
June 28, 2017
Pat Shea was a rock solid man. I admired his wisdom and learned from his experiences. He will be missed.
John Coleman
June 28, 2017
We are all truly privileged to have known Pat Shea and to have served with him. He brought to his work the moral strength that guided his life and was an inspiration to all who knew and worked with him. Perhaps the simplest thing is also the best thing that can be said of Pat: He was a good soldier, a good husband and father, a fine member of his community, and a good cop. May he rest in peace.
Johnny and Andrea Ankner
June 28, 2017
It was with great sorrow we learned of coach Shea's passing. We had the honor of knowing him the last three years at Green Hope HS
He was much more than a coach and I will be forever greatful my son was lead by such a role model and mentor.
It was always "A Great Day To Be A Falcon" when coach Pat was around.
Prayers to the Shea Family
Love ,
The Ankner's
UNC Football Class of 1966
June 28, 2017
Zenford Mitchell
June 28, 2017
To Mary Ann and the Shea family. You all have my heartfelt condolences and prayers in this most trying time. As I have been reminded since the passing of my wife and best friend, as she is with me in thoughts, memories and Spirit, so is Pat with all of you. Remember the good times, laugh at the funny things he did, smile at the loving expressions he performed, cry for the loss, but keep moving. Pat was special and know words can express what he was (is) to so many people. Keep the faith and GOD bless you all.
Frank Drew
June 28, 2017
Pat was the Best, period!!!
I was very lucky to have known him, work for him, and most importantly call him my friend. I know he's in a better place now but I do miss him very much.......
Frank Drew
Vinny Mazzilli
June 28, 2017
Dear Maryann & Family,
I was very sorry to hear about Pat's passing. He was a great agent and more importantly a great human being. Although we are all sad that he's left us I know he's in a better place.
Vinny Mazzilli
June 28, 2017
Mary Ann: It was with sincere regret that I heard of the passing of Pat. He was one of the finest individuals I have ever met. I know what a shock you have suffered. I wish to express my deepest sympathy and the hope that the kind thoughts of your many friends will make you grief a little easier to bear. Preston Grubbs
Florine Dendler
June 28, 2017
Sincere Sympathy to his entire family. He was a great guy.
Cookie & Dave Dendler
Tuffy von Briesen
June 27, 2017
I first met Pat in Basic Agent school in 1972. You could see he was going to be great leader and a superb agent. He was the type of Special Agent we all aspire to be. There was none better.
George Papantoniou
June 27, 2017
Dear MaryAnn,
Try to take comfort in the fact that Pat was so respected and well liked by everyone. Just a great guy. May the memory of Pat be eternal. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
George and Barbara Papantoniou.
Jeff Vincent
June 27, 2017
Mr. Shea was my first ASAC when I reported to my initial assignment with DEA in 1999. As a young new agent he always took time to talk to me every time he visited our office - not just about the job, but he took time to ask me about my family as well. I wasn't the only person he spoke with during those office visits, he spoke with every person in the office individually. And always spoke to you as if you were the only person in the room at that time. Mr. Shea set the bar really high for all the bosses that have since followed him! The prayers of our family are with your family during this time.
John 16:33
Rosemary Davenport
June 27, 2017
We shall see Patrick Shea again
John Lawler
June 27, 2017
Pat was a tough as nails agent with a sharp investigative mind and an outstanding leader, and most importantly, a wonderful person. Pat and I attended BNDD training together and later worked together in NYC in Group 13. Pat and I later worked in Miami and the Bahamas at the same time. Like many other agents who knew Pat, I have the utmost respect for Pat. He was one of those remarkable human beings that you look back with pleasure having had the chance to know him. God bless you Pat. You are in the Lord's hands now. Our prayers now are for your loved ones who will miss you.
James Benisek
June 27, 2017
Dear MaryAnn and all family members and friends, please know that I am lifting all of you up in prayer. Pat provided a life of service to his country, community and family and I miss him. He was the best supervisor I had in DEA and I am very grateful that I was able to speak to him one last time a few weeks ago.
May Pat's soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Deacon Jim Benisek (Group 5 veteran), Stafford VA
Tony Pluchino
June 27, 2017
Pat dedicated his life to helping others. He demonstrated this in his service to our country, his work with the DEA and DARE and the outstanding work he did as a football and life coach to many young men. I witnessed how he shaped the lives of boys and put them on the path to becoming young men. He stressed staying in the fight and something good would eventually happen. He built their confidence based on a criteria of merits. He had great sense of humor and an abundance of catch phrases. I can still hear him saying "success starts when you get up, dress up and show up". I once told him he was the toughest guy I know, he told me I needed to meet more people. We met in the twilight of our lives. We found that we had many things in common, from our Washington DC roots, our Catholic school upbringing and our love for football. He taught me many things in the short time we had together and I'm a better person for knowing him. I'm going to miss him dearly as we all are.
Mike McManamon
June 27, 2017
Dear MaryAnn, Ryan, Joseph and Coleen,
As evidenced by the many messages I know you are receiving, it is crystal clear that Pat was well respected and loved by his old DEA family. In 1983, I was a young 23 year old brand new agent in NYFD Group 4. I was awaiting transfer to Detroit, but that did not stop Pat from taking the time to teach me life long lessons in narcotics work (and team work). I was a short timer. Pat took the time to share wisdom and friendship with me. He easily could have avoided investing time in a young kid destined for Detroit, but he didn't. He treated me as if I would be working with him for the next 20 years. I only wish I had that opportunity. He was a class act and I hope you find solace in knowing he touched so many people. You should also feel pride in knowing that without question, a thing or two he passed on to young agents during his career has resulted in another agent getting home safely to his family at the end of a dangerous day somewhere around the globe.
Billy Fernandes
June 27, 2017
MaryAnn, Sheila and we're saddened to say the least to hear of Pat's passing. Your company and friendship during our 6 years together in Nassau made for one of the best times in my career. So many will truly miss him. Fondest Aloha, Billy Fernandes
J. David Quilter
June 27, 2017
While I never worked directly with Pat during our careers in DEA as a fellow Marine we always had great respect for one another. His reputation will proceed him as another Marine guards the Gates of Heaven. Semper Fi to a really fine man. In sympathy, J. David Quilter
Fred Gregory
June 27, 2017
Pat was a super Agent and a superb leader.
When I was RAC of the DEA Greensboro office and Pat was a G/S in Nassau I arranged with Coach Mack Brown for Pat to come up to Chapel Hill to address the UNC football team on drug abuse.
RIP my friend, fellow DEA Agent and fellow Tar Heel.
Al Gonzalez
June 27, 2017
Dear Maryann, Ryan, Joe, Colleen, and family,
To say Pat was a special man, husband, father, friend, and sibling is an understatement. There are not enough words or praise that can be given to a man who gave so much of himself to so many others.
We are deeply saddened, hurt, and grieve with you all. Yet, Pat is known for his strong Faith and Integrity. We believe and have faith that he is in Paradise in complete joy with his loved ones.
Pat, Maryann,and Ryan and our family shared many holidays and great times as our next door neighbors for many years. We made wonderful memories together.
To You Pat, I want to thank you for all your support to my sons and our family through the good and trying times. Your loving and calming ways impacted us and so many others. You were like my own family. I'll miss you brother! We all will miss you...until we meet again in Glory!!!
Marcelino Bedolla
June 27, 2017
I never had the pleasure of crossing paths with Pat while with DEA, but he was a Marine. In both of these he made a difference, Semper Fi Pat.
My sincere condolences to the family.
June 27, 2017
Truly a sad day for many of us who knew Pat. We worked together many years ago and amid the chaos, we managed to share many good memories. My prayers to you, Maryann and family.
Semper Fi, Brother,
Paul Buceti, Charleston, SC
Bill Ledwith
June 27, 2017
I had the great pleasure of both working for, and working with, Pat over the years. Those years included many opportunities to see his wisdom and great compassion for his fellow agents. We also had some hilariously great times together due to his wonderful sense of humor! He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. God bless you Pat and thank you for your many years of service to our country.
Bill Ledwith
Michael Shamas
June 27, 2017
MaryAnn and family, Mary and I are so very sorry for your loss. Our time in the Bahamas was one of the best times in my career (and life) and Pat played such a huge role in those cherished memories. A great boss, Agent and dear friend. RIP, my brother..
Lynn Fitzgerald
June 27, 2017
I remember P at as a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with while I was at the NYFD.
My condolences and may he rest in peace.
Fenton Family
June 27, 2017
Coach Shea was an amazing man that touched the lives of many families at Green Hope HIgh School. Our family was fortunate enough to have Coach Shea Coach two of my sons. He had such a positive attitude and taught the kids so much about life and being a man of character like himself. Our family is eternally grateful for Pat Shea.
Ronald Brogan
June 27, 2017
Maryann, What can I say more than has already been said. What you saw is what you got. As you know we had many adventures together and I will miss him. Stay strong, he would want that. love, Ron Brogan
Jim Hoy
June 27, 2017
Pat was a fine man, a great boss and a person everybody respected. He will be missed.To Maryann, my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jim Hoy, a member of the"The Fighting Fifth".
Freddie Bradshaw
June 27, 2017
Pat is a wonderful man and good friend. I am sorry for your loss and will ask the good Lord to comfort you all when I take my knee tonight. He certainly was one of a kind and for those of us who worked with him, we will "never forget."
Lou Pharao
June 27, 2017
Maryann, My sincere condolences. Pat was a great man and friend. The world is a lesser place without him. I will remember you and him in my prayers.
June 27, 2017
The world is a better place because Mr. Pat Shea was a part of it.
Sonia Detres-Correa
June 26, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember what a great boss he was and a very good man with a huge heart. May he rest in peacem
June 26, 2017
MaryAnn,
I am so sorry for your loss. Pat was a fantastic agent and a true gentleman. I enjoyed the years I worked with him in New York. May he rest in peace.
Frank Panessa
Larry and Kimberly Loveless
June 26, 2017
One of those men you just always looked up to and relied upon. A legend in DEA. The world has lost a true warrior. RIP my friend and Semper Fi.
Dave Gaddis
June 26, 2017
Our paths crossed in Miami, Bahamas, Washington DC and North Carolina. Pat was the man you wanted next to you when in a tight spot. An awesome guy who would never, never let you down. If Pat Shea committed to something, you could bet the bank he backed it up! Rest in Peace, my friend.
Patti & Michael Cheek
June 26, 2017
Our hearts are broken with the loss of our good friend Pat. We've exchanged holidays, family events, and parties together since 1999. My son's Joseph and Nicholas have grown up with Pat's fatherly advise and encouragement. My family and myself have truly enjoyed Pat's sense of humor, his great spirit and love of sports & cycling. I will miss hearing about your days in the Bahamas, the DEA, and how humble you always are. I will deeply miss seeing you, hearing how you're doing, and having you in my life. I admired your strength, your drive and to me, your sweet gift if giving. May God's embrace hold you, and protect MaryAnn & Ryan during these difficult weeks and years ahead. I'll never forget how much you looked after my sons, and guided them along their path. You're one of the best men I've ever known.
Stephen Churchill
June 26, 2017
A great man, agent and fellow human. Had the pleasure of working with him at DEA Quantico. I think he touched the souls of many.
Gina Calantoni
June 26, 2017
My deepest condolences to Joe & Coleen and their families. My family & I send our sympathies, Gina Calantoni--Joe, my Father wanted me to pass his condolences along as well... you know he always thought a lot of you growing up seeing you around the neighborhood and church.
Stephen Churchill
June 26, 2017
I am very saddened by the passing of Pat. I had the pleasure of working with him at the DEA Academy and he is a great man, agent and fellow human being. He always treated everyone right and I think he touched the hearts of many.
Steve Churchill
mike devlin
June 26, 2017
Legions of angels await, Pat.
Thank you for being a friend and mentor.
SA Mike Devlin, (DEA Ret.)
Hal Jordan
June 26, 2017
Pat was a class guy. He had a fast smile and always a positive word or two. I respected and admired Patrick Joseph Shea, RIP.
Paul VanKerckhove
June 26, 2017
We are very sorry to hear of Pats passing. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Paul and Jean VanKerckhove
Kelly and Owen Martin
June 26, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers to Coach Shea's family. He will be dearly missed.
Kelly and Owen Martin
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