John Michael Shea

1943 - 2017

Our loved one and friend Jake Shea passed away January 7, 2017 after a brave battle with cancer. Jake was born on May 19, 1943 in Quincy Massachusetts. He is survived by his love of 18 years, Cheryl Casey, also a son Patrick Shea of Panama, and a daughter Erin Shea of Monterey, Ca. His step children Colleen and (Damon) Boothroyd, Erin Casey and Tim Forant, his two grandsons, Harlin and Wyatt Boothroyd . Also survived by his Florida family, his sister Judy Mayo, Jan Cullinane and brother in law Paul Cullinane. Jake is predeceased by his parents Jack and June Shea. His remains will be buried at a private family service in Florida. Jake graduated from Archbishop Williams High School in Quincy in 1962 where he made lifelong friends. He went on to attend the University of South Florida and St. Leo College in Florida where he received his degree in Education .Jake began his professional bartending career at The Bull and Finch Pub located in Boston, which became famous for the TV show Cheers. He was one of the pubs original bartenders. It was there that he met his former wife Nancy. They moved to Dallas for a few years where Patrick was born and then onto Connecticut where Erin was born. Jake worked at Bills Seafood in Ct for the past 30 years and made Westbrook his home where he helped raise his children and will be leaving many lifelong friends. He had a strong gift for making people laugh and his way with words made them return weekly just to be entertained by their favorite bartender. He also created many art projects over the years for co-workers and customers with his own special touches. During this time he also pursued his passion for art and traveled to France to sculpt and onto the Art Academy of San Francisco. Jake had a great passion for travel. Florida became his home each winter and Italy, England and travels through the United States were always adventures in his down time for he and Cheryl. Jake will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him but will remain in our hearts forever. All are welcome to join us for A Celebration of Life at Bills Seafood Westbrook Ct. on March 20th. Donations may be sent to Smiloh Cancer Hospital, c/o Dr. Jill Lacy, Outpatient G.I. Medical Oncology Team, 35 Park Street, New Haven, CT. 06510