Richard (Dick) Harold Shea

In Loving Memory of Richard (Dick) Harold Shea

October 27, 1938 - June 14, 2025

On June 14th, 2025, the world lost a man of immense heart, spirit, and character-Richard (Dick) Harold Shea. A once-in-a-lifetime soul who walked through the world with a twinkle in his eye, an open heart, and a mission to bring people together. The world had no idea what hit it when he arrived, and it may never recover from his departure. He was what legends are made of. A true gentleman. A total original. A complete star.

Born on October 27, 1938, in Batavia, NY. From a young age, Dick was ready to take life by the horns-and take it he did.

He attended Ithaca College from 1956 to 1960, earning a Bachelor of Science in Radio and TV. A proud alumnus, he remained close attending reunions and keeping the spirit of his college days alive.

In 1960, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant and completed training as a Navy SEAL frogman in 1963. He served in Vietnam from 1963 to 1965 as part of SEAL Team One, Class 29. Dick carried his service with pride, deeply believing he had the privilege of living in the greatest country on earth. He attended the Navy seal reunion every year in Virginia Beach reuniting with close friends and fellow seals the rest of his life. Brothers forever.

After returning from Vietnam, he authored his first book, vietnam simply-a poetic, punctuation-free, lowercase meditation on his experiences overseas. It remains in circulation, treasured by many for its raw honesty and lyrical beauty.

From the battlefield to the ballroom, Dick's life was a journey of passionate, wholehearted living. After crisscrossing the country and living out of his van, he eventually settled in New York City in 1968, drawn to the wild, unfiltered magic of the East Village. He worked as everything from a taxi driver to a social worker-25 of those years spent as an administrator at the women's shelter on Lafayette Street, where he helped countless individuals and families rebuild their lives.

In 1972, with fellow social worker Alan Levy and friend Laura Hoefler, Dick co-founded the Levy Shea Yoga Studio at Union Square-a space of peace, movement, nourishment, and self-care. But that was only the beginning.

From 1983 to 1992, Dick became the master of ceremonies at the legendary Barefoot Ballroom, a weekend disco palace where shoes were checked at the door and joy took the lead. It was more than a dance floor-it was a sanctuary for self-expression and community. People met their soulmates, found themselves, healed, laughed, and celebrated life there-all under the guidance of Dick Shea, the DJ, the ring leader, the man who made the magic happen.

Dick was a performer, a joker, a dancer, an actor, and a friend to all. He lit up rooms with his quick wit, infectious energy, and the warmth of his sparkling blue eyes. His love of costumes, jokes, and celebration knew no bounds-especially when it came to parades. All parades!! Denied official entry into the St. Patrick's Day Parade? No matter. Dick famously walked the opposite direction on the sidewalk, painting his beard green and drawing roars of laughter and applause. Because that's just who he was-the parade itself.

And then, of course, there was Santa Claus. For over 30 years, Dick was New York's Santa. From FAO Schwarz to Central Park, celebrity parties to the Manhattan Mall, from dive bars to burn units-Dick listened to thousands of children's hopes and dreams. He visited the New York Burn Center every year, offering gentle comfort and gifts to children who had suffered so much. His Santa was no act-it was pure love, generosity, and magic. Even in street clothes, children would spot him and whisper, "It's Santa!" And it was.

Dick never stopped moving. Whether jumping trains across the U.S., dancing in Sheep Meadow, plunging into icy waters at Coney Island, or acting with his beloved improve group onstage, he lived fully and freely. He rubbed elbows with the famous but found his true people on the streets, in clubs, in his yoga studio, and his favorite bars. Milano's on Houston street and Kelly's bar in Batavia were second homes and their customers another family! He never preached, but always stood for kindness, honesty, and joy. He made the world better just by walking in it.

In October of 1986, Dick found his soulmate in Adrienne Melissen-the love of his life, his greatest supporter, and the quiet strength behind the showman. Married on 11/11/06 she remained by his side for decades of laughter, adventure, and love. Adrienne made the magic possible, and Dick often said he hit the jackpot when he found her. She remained by his side wholeheartedly until he drew his last breath.

Dick was predeceased by his mother Grace, his father Harold, his stepmother Mable, his brother Wayne, sister-in-law Dores, and nephew Dan (Beth)

He leaves behind his beloved wife Adrienne Melissen and her large family who adored him, His niece Cathy, nephews Tom (Debbie), Tim; and a large extended family of great-nephews, and even great-great-nieces,nephews, many cousins all of whom he had deep connections with and forever love for. Their loss is deep. But his family goes far beyond blood-he leaves behind hundreds of close friends and chosen family members whose lives were forever changed by knowing him.

Dick Shea lived big. He danced big. He smiled big. He partied big but most importantly, He loved big. And he left behind a legacy of joy, community, compassion, and courage. He showed us how to live with heart, how to laugh without apology, and how to keep dancing-no matter what.

Heaven just got a whole lot more interesting.

Rest easy, Dick Shea. We'll miss you forever, and we'll never forget the beat you left behind. Be free our brother and leave knowing your life was long and so full it was bursting at the seams! We were lucky to join you for the ride

"He didn't walk through life. He danced"