Michael Joseph Shay

Unexpectedly, May 6, in Paradise Valley, AZ, age 46, also a resident of Marstons Mills, MA. The eldest son of Joseph F. Shay, Sr. and Connie (Hanna) Shay of Southborough. Mr. Shay was born in Natick and a longtime Framingham resident. An excellent hockey player and martial arts enthusiast, he was a graduate of Marian High School and the Choate School. Following his studies at Colby College in Maine, a passion for the culinary arts led Mr. Shay to New Orleans where he became a talented chef under the tutelage of renowned Master Chef, Emeril Lagasse. He then returned to Framingham to work at Ken's Steak House, owned by his grandparents Florence and Ken Hanna and later lent his culinary talents in creating some of Ken's Steak House Salad Dressings most popular flavors. Mr. Shay is most well known as the former proprietor of World Gym in Framingham where many local athletes trained and sought his counsel on all matters of physical fitness. A hockey related injury sent him and his wife to the more arid climate of Arizona. He spent summers on Cape Cod and he remained close with his family and many friends. Mr. Shay will be dearly missed by his wife of eleven years: Victoria Marie (Walker) and their 3 year old daughter Francesca Marie; his parents and mother-in-law: Marie A. Walker of Newton. He also leaves a paternal aunt: Mary T. Shay of Framingham and 4 siblings: Timothy D. Shay and wife Jennifer of Northborough, James P. Shay and wife Monica of Southborough, Shannon H. Hayden and husband Andrew of Newton and Joseph F. Shay, Jr. and fiancee Maria Cristino of Hopedale; along with 12 nieces and nephews and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was a friend of Bill W. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 13 at 10 AM in St. Bridget's Church, Rte. 9 East, Framingham Centre. Interment is private. Visiting hours are Thursday, May 12 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in Boyle Bros. Funeral Home, 173 Union Ave., FRAMINGHAM. Gifts of sympathy can be made to: the South Middlesex Foundation, 750 Winter St., Framingham, MA 01701. For directions: www.thoughtfulguidance.com.