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Robert Shea Obituary
Bob was born in Mystic, Conn. on Sept 11, 1924, the son of Sebastian and Marguerite Shea. He is survived by the love of his life, A. Elaine Cox Shea, whom he married on Sept. 21, 1946. They celebrated 68 happy years of marriage in 2014.
Bob leaves his three siblings - Charles Shea and his wife Joan, and Marga Higgins of Pawcatuck, Conn. and Betty Urso and husband Nat of Westerly, R.I. He is survived by his four children - Robert Shea, Jr. of Westerly, R.I., Gail Shea Grainger and her husband John of Chesterfield, N.H., LTC (Ret) Karen E. Shea of New Port Richey, Fla., and Leanne Shea Jenkins and her husband Skip, of Hingham, Mass. Six grandchildren, Kerry Shea Abbott, John C. Grainger, Kelly H. McManus, and Emmett, Patrick and Sam Jenkins, as well as four great-grandchildren.
Bob attended St Michael's School and graduated from Stonington (Conn.) High School. He played football, but when they brought back a basketball team in 1939, he tried out for the team. The first day of tryouts was the first day that Bob ever held a basketball. Bob went on to become a star player and was inducted into the Stonington High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.
Bob went on to Rhode Island State College (URI), graduating in 1946. He had an outstanding basketball career while there playing for the legendary coach Frank Keaney, who introduced the concept of the fast break to basketball. Bob was co-captain of the 1946 R.I. team that played for the NIT championship against Kentucky. While at Rhode Island, Bob was president of the senior honor society, and treasurer of his fraternity, Theta Chi. Bob was inducted into the University of Rhode Island Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979.
After graduating from Rhode Island Bob went on to play basketball for the Providence Steam Rollers, in the first year of what would become the NBA. The Steam Rollers were one of the original 14 teams of the new Pro league. Bob scored the first basket for the Steam Rollers, and the first basket scored against the Boston Celtics.
Bob went on to receive a Masters degree from URI, and spent the rest of his career as a Social Studies teacher and supervisor at Stonington(Conn.) High School, retiring after 35 years in 1984.
Bob's passion for sports didn't end with basketball, he went on to play golf for many years. He was club champion of Elmridge CC in 1971, and also scored three holes in one.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Mass in St.Paul's Church 147 North Street, Hingham on Friday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m. Private burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's honor to St. Michael's Church, 60 Liberty Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379-1695, or the American Parkinson's Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, New York. 10305 http://www.apdaparkinson.org/ways-to-donate/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Shea
Dave Erskine
January 25, 2022
God Bless Mr. Shea he was a good man and had him as a coach while at Stonington High School.
Jean Fiore
February 18, 2015
Mrs. Shea, Leanne & family, Truly sorry to just now learn of Mr. Shea's passing. I always held your husband/father in high regard. Please accept my condolences.
Vera Leming
February 12, 2015
I was so saddened to read about Bob. I remember him from working in the office at Stonington High. My condolences to you Elaine and your family!
Mimi Spellman Romano
February 12, 2015
A nice man and a good teacher, so sorry for your family's loss.
Lila (Miner) Cleveland
February 9, 2015
Elaine and family, Extending deepest sympathy on the passing of Bob. Our families go back a long way and I have many fond memories of all of you!!
Patricia (Abate)Morrone
February 9, 2015
Mrs. Shea and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Shea. I knew him as a young child when my father's shoe repair shop was next to Shea's news stand. I always called him Bob when I went to the store, but when I entered high school, he quietly told me his name was Mr. Shea. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. I'm sure you all have fond memories. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Janne Stobie
February 9, 2015
Elaine, and your whole family, I'm so sorry to see the loss of Bob. He was like a second father to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Janne
Kathleen Higgins
February 8, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends, sincerely, Kathleen
George James
February 5, 2015
I was privileged to work with Bob at Stonington High School for twenty years as well as to get to know and admire his family. Thanks to Elaine we have maintained contact until the very last. George and Gunilla James, Old Lyme, Ct.
February 4, 2015
All of the Heydt family are so sorry for your loss, but know that it was a blessing. He is in a better place
Candy, Mason, Shaw, Spencer, and Christian
Tom Fritz
February 3, 2015
Shea Family,
Sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Shea. He was a great teacher, neighbor and all around good guy. We will remember him in our prayers.
Walter Sheldon Jr.
February 2, 2015
To the Shea Families,
Sorry to see the loss of Mr. Shea. He was a neighbor of mine at Pond View Court for a time. He was a great neighbor, kind man, and exceptional teacher and mentor to many. What more can be said. May you rest in peace Bob.
Walter and Gail Sheldon
February 2, 2015
This 1959 SHS graduate is very sorry to learn Mr. Shea died. He was a great teacher that I enjoyed. He comes from a great family business. I miss Shea's business. His family and friends are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Richard Sorensen
Susan Eldridge
February 2, 2015
To the Shea, Higgins' and Urso families: My sincere sympathy at the loss of your husband, father, brother and Uncle. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Foberg Eldridge
Natalie Reddick
February 2, 2015
Dear Elaine, Leanne and family, fond memories of Bob, thinking of you all at this sad time, lots of love x
Rebecca
February 1, 2015
So sorry for the Shea family to loose such a wonderful man. Mr Shea was one great teacher. Until we meet again
Sue Gager Palmer
February 1, 2015
Leane and family,
My deepest sympathy. When I was younger, your dad always took the time with a kind word or a conversation when I would see him. I also remember your parents letting me hang out with them when you were upstairs listening to the Celtics on the radio. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
February 1, 2015
We, the members of the SHS class of 1961, extend our sincere condolences to the Shea Family while fondly remembering Bob Shea as teacher and coach.
William Kavanaugh
February 1, 2015
A great loss to the community. Bob was a symbol of all that was good and honest in Stonington. We had a lot of fun playing basketball and socializing after those games. He was a wonderful person and a great leader. He will be remembered for his wonderful smile and his great teaching career.
Tom Whewell and Karen Hamm
February 1, 2015
To the Shea family,
Our deepest sympathies to the Shea family.We knew him as a teacher and a fellow professional. He was always so calm and very positive. So sorry for the loss to the family and the Stonington community.
Don Norcross
February 1, 2015
Enjoyed many rounds of golf with Bob.He was a gentleman. He will be missed.
PATRICIA LOGAN SHAFER
January 31, 2015
TO THE SHEA FAMILYS, SO SORRY TO HAVE HEARD ABOUT BOBS PASSING. BOB WILL BE MISSED ALOT. HE WAS A GREAT TEACHER AT SHS HAD BOB ALOT OF YRS AT SHS. OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO ALL OF YOU.MAY BOB RIP. THE LOGAN FAMILYS.
Toni Roderick Remor
January 31, 2015
Bobby and family, sorry for your loss.
January 31, 2015
Dear Elaine and family,
My condolences on Bob's passing.
What a great life he had, remember all the good times. He is always with you.
Love, David Auerswald
Carl Johnson
January 31, 2015
The Shea Family,
My sympathy on your loss. Bob was a positive influence and an asset to Stonington both in the school and the community and will be missed by many.
Maureen Tavares
January 31, 2015
Mrs Shea, Bobby, Gail, Karen and Leanne.....my sincere sympathy. My thoughts are with you all. Maureen Martin Tavares
Kelly Cordner
January 31, 2015
Dear Entire Shea Family (We know all of you and grew up with most of you) ...
Our entire family is SO sorry to hear of this loss! We all have wonderful memories of each and every one of you! Bob was an excellent teacher and a wonderful man! Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you! XO!
Mike and Heather Spellman
January 31, 2015
Please accept our deepest sympathy on Mr. Shea's passing. Class man who always thought of his students first. He left a great legacy with his work in our schools and will always remembered with a smile. The Shea and Higgins families will be in our prayers during this difficult time.
Linda Congdon Costanza
January 31, 2015
My sincere condolences, Elaine. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
David& Marcia Erskine
January 31, 2015
Shea Family. Sorry to read about the passing of Mr. Shea. Had him as a JV coach back in 1959 & 60. Marcia had him for a teacher. Was hoping to see him this April when his brother Charlie gets inducted into SHS hall of fame. Good teacher, coach and person. God bless
January 31, 2015
My sympathies to Bob's family. Jane Hoxie Maxson
Phyllis Anderson/Williams
January 31, 2015
I remember him at the News Stand and he was my Geography teacher at Stonington High in the 50's. He was a wonderful man. I lived in Wequetequock.
Matthew Purtill
January 31, 2015
Leanne and the family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. He was a great man.
Dixon Hemphill
January 31, 2015
Bob and I were classmates at Stonington High School and close friends. I recall many happy times together like the time the school celebrated "Student's Day" --- Bob was superintendent and I was principal but only for one day! Another time we studied for many hours together for one of Mr. Crouch's history exams. We both got A plus that day! Bob always had a smile on his face and was one of the best athletes I ever knew. Our basketball playing boys are very impressed about Bob's playing for the professional Providence Steamrollers! My sincere condolences go to Elaine and his big family.
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