Dr. James Edward Shea

1923 - 2018

Dr. James Edward Shea, 95, of Wallingford, formerly of Wilton, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, September 23, 2018. Dr. Shea was born January 10, 1923 in Bangor Maine, the son of the late Thomas F Shea and Mabel (Lewis) Shea. He was the owner of Shea Associates, an electronics design firm in Wilton, from 1965 until he retired. Previously, Dr. Shea worked as an electrical engineer for Perkin Elmer in Norwalk and for Norden Systems in White Plains, NY. After earning his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Connecticut, Dr. Shea graduated from Yale University with a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering in 1956. He also served in the United States Army during World War II in Company B 69th Signal Battalion, where he worked as a Radio Repairman, qualified as a Sharpshooter Rifle SS Carbine Expert Gunner, and was awarded the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, and American Theater Campaign Ribbon. Dr. Shea was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Virginia (Cochrane) Shea. He was also predeceased by his wife of 22 years, Marjorie (Raymond) Shea. He leaves a dear friend, Dorothy Rehm of Wallingford. Dr. Shea leaves a daughter, Constance Grandy (Bruce) of Bristol, Richard Shea (Judith) of New Hampton, NH, and a daughter Patricia Halloran of Newtown and Bristol. He also leaves seven grandchildren, Laura Parker (Jonathan) of Burlington, Melanie Grandy (Jason Richer) of West Roxbury, MA, Jennifer Shea of Grand Forks, ND, Bryan Shea (Margaret) of South Windsor, Pamela Shea of Grand Forks, ND, Christine Sales (Jonathan) of Thomaston, Jessica Halloran of Seatlle, WA, five great-grandsons, and a sister Mary Boyle (Michael) of Vernon. He was predeceased by four brothers and one sister. Dr. Shea was a deeply religious man who for many years was a Communicant at Saint Mary Roman Catholic Church in Ridgefield. He had a lifelong love of music and played the organ for Sunday Mass at Ashlar Village in Wallingford, where he recently resided. Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Friday, October 12, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Avenue, Forestville/Bristol. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 13 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave. in Forestville. Those wishing to attend are asked to go directly to the church. Private burial with military honors will follow at a later date in St. Mary Cemetery in Ridgefield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or to a charity of the donor's choice. To leave an online message of condolence, share a memory or a photo, please visit Dr. Shea's tribute page at www.OBRIEN-FUNERALHOME.com.