Joseph Shea Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Pelham Manor, New York

Two Brothers on Two Floors
For a time, Daniel James Shea would not work at Cantor Fitzgerald. His older brother, Joseph Patrick Shea, was pretty high up there, and he did not want anyone to think he had zipped in on his brother's coattails. Then he relented.

Joseph Shea, 47, a senior managing director, was on the 105th floor of the first building to be hit. Daniel, 37, was on the 104th. At home in Pelham, N.Y., seven children are without fathers.

Three thousand people turned out for the brothers' joint funeral service at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Manhattan. One reason, perhaps, was the brothers' generosity. Joseph Shea donated generously to the hockey team of his alma mater, Georgetown University, and coached local youth hockey and baseball teams.

When three New York City firefighters were killed on the job this past Father's Day, Daniel Shea contributed his day's commissions to their families and persuaded other men on his floor to do the same. They raised $15,000.

"Cantor set up at the Pierre and the F.B.I. guy told us no one above the plane would have lived," said their sister, referring to a family service center the company had set up at the hotel after the attack.

"They were all alive for a while. Danny didn't have his cell, but his friend Tommy did. They couldn't call out, but when Tommy's girlfriend called, Danny said, 'Call my wife and tell her how much I love her.' Joseph called his wife and said, 'A plane just hit the building.' She said, 'What about Danny?' He said, 'I'm just going down to find him.' "

Not sure what to say?

Get email updates for this page

Posting Guidelines|FAQ

I visited NYC for the first time this week and, of course, we had to go see the memorial. My wife and I stood there inl silence as we took in the magnitude of such a place and when we left I hadn't shed a tear. As I turned to leave, two names with the same last name caught my eye and I just froze. The thought that a family endured not only the tragic loss of one loved one but TWO just hit me I'm the gut. Although I didn't know either Daniel or Joseph, I cried for them and their family. I also...

Alyssa Stephens

July 21, 2023 | VA

God bless Joe and Dan. Never forgotten. I saw Joe an The World Trade Center with Brian Devaney in June, 2001. Thought we would see each other again at The Chicago Board of Trade in September. My prayers are with you.

Diane O'Connell

September 11, 2015 | Chicago, IL

Visiting NYC recently I had the pleasure of meeting Donna and her 2 children on the subway. Hearing I wanted to visit the 9/11 Memorial they invited me to join them. This wonderful family shared with me how they lost both Joe and Danny. They were Donna's brother in laws and terrific uncles to her children. I have and will continue to pray for all of your family members who have lost such incredible individuals. Although I never met either of you, I heard many heart warming stories of the...

Irene Johnson

August 06, 2014 | Ventura, CA

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Joseph Patrick Shea.
I took a picture of his name with a white rose on it a short time after his birthday when we visited
New York coming over from Germany.

Michael Bergler

August 31, 2013

Well, I knew joe. ok, I was... 3 1/2 the last time I saw him. My aunt, Jane Flannigan, and Nancy were great friends then and now. I don't remember him, I don't remember the attacks. It's scary that they were so long ago, yet remain so fresh in our minds. Although I don't remember Joe or Danny, uncanny similarities and coincidences continue to appear. I kew them, for starters. I've known Nancy and her children for years and may family and I love them very much and they are the sweetest people...

Caroline MacLachlan

December 07, 2011 | New York, NY

I met Joe through business but our strongest common denominator was always the love of our sons. Joe and I talked constantly about them. The last time we spoke he was in London in the summer of '01 . I was in town as well and he made a special trip over to my office just to chat and share some laughs. Today I cried thinking about that moment. Even though I have never met Nancy and the boys I can tell you his love of family was unconditional. Maybe some day we can meet and I will tell you in...

James Heinz

September 12, 2011 | Chicago, IL

September 11, 2011 - We had a committee and wrote 3000+ bracelets with the names of victims in 911. My wristband was Joseph Patrick Shea and it certainly captured our hearts reading about a well respected Father and US worker~ We are a family of six and my husband is a retired Fire Capt./Ventura County/California and our hearts go out to all of your family.
I am sure your husband/father and dearest best friend is with you in spirit and deepest love forever~ May our Lord bless all of...

Linda Young

September 12, 2011 | Chatsworth, CA

I remember ... Thank you
Frank p
London

September 11, 2011

Nancy, you babysat for me and Laurie was one of my best friends growing up. I loved and idolized your family, all of you...I am still very close to Ruth Quigley. I still can't believe that Executive Lane in Willingboro lost so much that day. All the Dorans send thoughts and prayers for you and yours this day and always.

Maureen Doran

September 11, 2011 | San Francisco, CA

Joseph Patrick Shea

About

Obituary

Guest Book