John "Jack" Harvey Shea

John Harvey ("Jack") Shea

February 19, 1931 - June 30, 2022.

Jack considered himself a spiritual being having a human experience. Jack was born in Reno, Nevada to his father Paul, and mother Josephine ("Jo"). The family moved to San Francisco and Jacks' cherished brother Joseph ("Joe") became a welcomed addition. Finally, they were close to family- all the Quinns, especially George and Nora (Jo's sister) Quinn and their children Wallace and Maureen.

San Francisco is where Jack formed life-long friendships with Joe Kelly, Joe Desmond, Al Smyth, the Boland brothers, Phil Siggins, John Petrin, Harold Caulfield, Eddie Powell, Ed Roualdes, John Walsh, Herb Haskins, Bill Delucchi, and Leo O'Brien, among many others.

After graduating from St Monica's grammar school, Jack went on to attend Saint Ignatius High School ("SI"). Jack enrolled in ROTC at S.I., which he continued when he proceeded with his education at the University of San Francisco ("USF"). It was there that he met the love of his life, Eileen Patricia Mellon, who was a senior at Star of the Sea. Jack and Eileen were set up on a blind date by Joe and Cynthia Kelly, and theirs was a true love story.

After graduating from USF, Jack went into active service with the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Germany. It was while he was stationed in Germany that Eileen visited Europe post her graduation from Dominican University. Jack proposed to Eileen on a park bench in Europe. They later married on May 12, 1956. Jack and Eileen remained in love and best friends until the end- 66 years.

After fulfilling his duty, Jack was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant. Returning to San Francisco, Jack entered the CPA practice established by his father, Paul Shea, and began his career as a highly respected San Francisco CPA, serving many establishments, businesses, and people. Jack went on to Shea, Good & Fowler, co-founded Shea & Shea and later Shea, Labagh & Dobberstein. Jack and his brother Joe worked together and raised families together. There is some peace in knowing that they are now together again.

After Jo's untimely passing, Jack's family expanded when Paul married the beloved Angelena Sacco Quinn Shea ("Nonna"). Jack embraced Nonna's sons, John and Jim Quinn, as brothers.

The Shea dinner table was multi-partisan, and full of passionate, political, religious, and day-to-day discussions. Jack was proud of being Irish. The family has many warm memories of spinning around in dad's 911 singing along to The Clancy Brothers, The Irish Rovers, The Dubliners, among others.

Jack was a great traveler and adventurer. In his children's younger years, Jack would often take his family camping and on Winnebago trips that included a tour of the California coast "in search of the ultimate beach." A lover of all things water, Jack taught his children how to body surf and sail. Later in life, Jack made running his passion; successfully completing over ten marathons. Jack ran marathons in places such as Athens, Honolulu, Dublin and, of course, San Francisco. A loyal 49er fan, and season ticket holder, Dad never missed a game; a seat next to Jack on the 48-yard line was coveted. As a long-time member of the SF Olympic Club, the family enjoyed many family dinners, celebrations, and Father / Daughter dances at Lakeside.

Jack instilled in his children the importance of positive thinking, how to care for the little person, and to be loyal brothers and sisters. Most notably, Jack gave quiet and anonymous time to many, many people who needed help with alcoholism. Dad would have had 60 years clean and sober on November 19, 2022. We think he deserves that chip.

Jack was brilliant beyond measure, exceptionally well-read, had an unbelievable memory for jokes, history, events, and most of all, his good times with his friends. He was not one to mince words, but he was also one to show his deep affection for his family and friends. Jack loved each of them individually and collectively.

The family is eternally grateful for years of unwavering love and support shown by Jack's sister-in-law Diane Tarantino Shea. Words cannot express the family's gratitude.

Jack leaves behind his great love, Eileen Mellon Shea, Jim Quinn (Betty), John Quinn (Bobbie), Diane Tarantino Shea, his children Mary, Kathleen Haley (Matt), John, Michael and Trish; grandchildren Meaghan Post (Dave), Michael Haley, Claire Haley, Annie Shea, Hank Shea, Carrie Shea, Eileen Deasy, Jack Deasy, Bobby Deasy, and his two great grandchildren, Joe and Haley Post, many nieces and nephews including Carol Sebastiani (Jon) and Christopher Shea.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Ignatius College Prep: https://ignatius.myschoolapp.com/page/support/invest-in-ignatius?siteId=1276&ssl=1