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Thomas Shea Obituary
Tom was born July 24, 1934 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the son of the late James and Elizabeth (Hogarty) Shea.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Dolores J. (Barea) Shea and his son, Keith Michael Shea as well as his brothers James Shea and Paul Shea and his sister Elizabeth (Shea) Kelly.
Surviving are his son, Kevin Shea; grandchildren, Emma and Owen and their mother, Jane Henderson and his special friend and companion, Joyce Nyerges, his brother Dr. John (Jack) Shea and several nieces and nephews.
Tom's life was devoted to helping children with special needs. After receiving his doctorate at Boston University, he taught and was an internationally published author in Special Education. He ended his teaching career at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
His large circle of friends will remember him for his wit, enjoyment of eating out and his strong faith.
Tom was an active member of the St. Louis Old Cathedral and enjoyed being a volunteer reader and serving on the board for Minds Eye, the radio station for the blind.
On Thursday, March 9, 2017 in celebration of his life, a funeral mass was held at the Old Cathedral in St. Louis with Father Richard Quirk as celebrant. Burial followed at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.
In lieu of floral tributes, memorials are suggested to Minds Eye or to the SIUE Foundation for the Shea Scholarship.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Shea
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Doris Mccloud
February 12, 2024
Really liked him Doris Mccloud
Barbara Noud Otto
March 16, 2017
Dr. Shea taught me how to teach children with Special Needs while Dolores employed me at the Bookstore. Just as important was their influence on young adults by the example of their lives well lived.
Gaileen Hoenig
March 14, 2017
A leader in education who influenced countless special education teachers when the field was new. He will be missed- as a joker and an innovative compassionate teacher andmentor
March 12, 2017
With deepest sympathy to Tom's family. We were childhood neighbors in Lenox. Mary Agnes O'Brien livermore California
Laurie Sexton-Juenger
March 11, 2017
I enjoyed knowing Tom through his sons, Keith and Kevin. Tom and his wife Delores was very support of the theater dept. in Collinsville. I enjoyed working with Delores at the bookstore of SIUE. Tom had a great dry sense of humor. He was a very generous man.I once bought me some apple strudel and when he saw that I had enjoyed it so, he bought me another piece! So sorry for your loss Kevin, and family.
Mary Vargo
March 11, 2017
Joyce: Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I did not find out until Sat. Tom was a friend to all. He will be missed.
March 10, 2017
Uncle Tom always brought great joy and laughter to every occasion. He came from a very strong family and loved his sister and brothers dearly. I always looked forward to seeing him when he came east in his Volvo. A nicer man you could not find. Dan Shea
March 10, 2017
I will long remember Tom's wit, intelligence and caring heart. I feel blessed to have called him friend.
Mary Polite
Donna Masters
March 9, 2017
I am absolutely heartbroken.....I was Dr. Shea's grad assistant at SIUE.....I learned from the master. He was my mentor and friend. I am thankful I was able to spend time with him around the holidays...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....I am so sorry I did not hear of this sooner.
Jim Stein
March 8, 2017
My wife Jeanne and I loved Tom...He was a great professor, a fun guy and a good friend. We will miss him...Jim Stein
Diann Kramolowksy
March 8, 2017
Kevin, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was an such amazing educator, mentor, and dear friend. I'll always remember the good times with your family when you and Keith were just little guys. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bonnie McArther
March 8, 2017
My late husband and I had the pleasure of knowing Tom and his friend, Joyce. We enjoyed our lunches and dinner gatherings and especially the banana pudding! Because my husband spoke very softly, Tom often had trouble understanding him. Those situations created lots of laughter and good memories. Tom will be missed by all.
David and Kay Werner
March 8, 2017
Tom was so helpful in helping find the right help for our son. A valued friend, neighbor and exceptional educator. We are grateful to have him in our lives.
Annie Bauer
March 8, 2017
Dr. Shea was my mentor, my teacher, my coauthor. No one had a greater impact on my life, or the lives of many, many others.
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