George M. Shaia

George M. Shaia, 81, of Bristol, beloved husband of Donna (Manchester) Shaia, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Hartford Hospital following a brief illness. George was born in Torrington on February 5, 1944, and was the son of the late Michael and Albertina (Kindelburgh) Shaia. He graduated from Torrington High School, Class of 1962. Two days after his graduation, George joined the I.U.O.E. Local 478 as a heavy equipment operator where he would remain for 63 years! George loved his job and his fellow union brothers. In his free time, George loved to play golf with his brother and sister-in-law, vacationing at the Cape, gardening, playing guitar (he even built one), creating things out of leather, he had a love for cars, watching the Patriots and being a jack of all trades. George also loved animals. Besides his wife of 39 years, Donna, George is survived by his two daughters, Michelle Ryan and her husband Richard of Plantsville and Cheryl Brunet and her husband Tim of Burlington, his five grandchildren, Richard Ryan of Plainville, Ashley Ryan of Meriden, Alyssa Ryan of Bristol, Jesse Brunet of Burlington and Benjamin Brunet also of Burlington, one great-grandson, Leif Ryan, a brother Louis Shaia and his wife Linda of Torrington. He is also survived by three brothers-in-law, Guy Manchester of Bristol, Mark Manchester and his wife Donna of Bristol and David Manchester and his wife Darlene of Bristol, and several nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his beloved son, Salathiel Shaia in 2015. Calling hours for George will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 4-7 PM at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, CT 06010. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10 AM in Peacedale Cemetery, James P. Casey Rd, Bristol, CT 06010. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the cemetery. Please visit George's memorial page at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.
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