William E. Shea Jr.

William E. Shea Jr., 74, of Worcester, died Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital after an illness.

He leaves three daughters, Kellie Shea and her husband Andrew Szydlik of Worcester, Shannon Bartley and her husband Barry of Worcester, and Erin Riopel and her husband Daniel of Holden; six grandchildren, Matthew and Sydney Szydlik, Aydan and Danny Bartley, and Patrick and Benjamin Riopel; his former wife, Karon Shea; a niece and a nephew.

His brother Frank Shea passed away in 2008.

He was born in Worcester, son of William E. and Mary (Armstrong) Shea, and lived in Worcester all his life. Billy attended St. Peter's High School and Worcester Junior College and later served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Billy was a sales rep for A & E Distributors and Coastal Beverages.

He was a member of Wachusett Country Club and worked there as a Ranger for many years. The golf course was one of favorite places to be. Billy was an avid hockey player, playing both at St. Peter's and for Worcester Junior College. He continued being involved with hockey as a referee. Billy had a wide circle of friends that he shared time with at several gathering places in and around Worcester, including Wachusett Country Club, Cactus Pete's, Mahoney's, Bennie's, and the Banner.

Billy always had the best stories and always made people laugh. He was known as "Papa" at Kellie's dance studio, where he worked the desk. He greeted everyone, shared donuts with the dancers and always asked them how their day was going.

Calling hours are Tuesday, November 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Wednesday, December 1, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Church, 40 Temple St., Worcester. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.