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Howard Shea Obituary
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A high school graduate of the Williston School (now the Williston-Northampton School), Howard attended Amherst College, where he was a proud member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, graduating with his bachelor's degree in 1959. After college, Howard served in the Army National Guard, starting with a two-year full-time stint, followed by multiple years as a reserve. After serving, Howard took a job at Liberty Mutual in Boston, where he spent his entire 40-year working career as an insurance underwriter for major national accounts.
Howard was a lover of nature and wildlife. He enjoyed fishing, scuba diving and hiking. He was always quick to point out a soaring hawk or osprey, or even the occasional deer bounding through the backyard. He loved spending time at his Cape house in Chatham, getting up early for walks along the ocean at his favorite spot, Forest Beach or making his way over to Skaket Beach in Orleans to catch an amazing sunset.
Howard was an avid collector and was especially fond of coins and glass. He could often be found metal detecting all over Natick or by the bandstand in Downtown Chatham. He was a huge Boston sports fan and could usually be heard "coaching" the Patriots and Red Sox. An ice cream connoisseur, Howard would regularly remind us that there was always room for some ice cream after a good meal since it just "fills in all the nooks and crannies." He was also a proud friend of Bill Wilson for an amazing 49 years.
His positive outlook, words of wisdom and thunderous laugh will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made as memorial contributions to the Donate | Dana Faber Cancer Institute or the Donate | Amherst College Fund.
For online guestbook please visit: www.everettfuneral.com
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Howard R.W. Shea, please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Ruth Bresnahan
July 5, 2025
To my dear cousin Howard,
You have been a very important part of my life. I so admired your dedication to Bill W. and to your work in helping others achieve sobriety. I will so miss our family conversations.. you were able to share your perspective about the many and unique personalities of the Delaney generation that came before us.. I loved your stories.. your start in life was not what you planned but you lived a wonderful life that impacted the people around you in so many ways.. fly with the angels Howard and rest easy.. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Tina Noonan
June 19, 2025
We truly miss Howard during his Thursday Morning volunteer shift at NSC!
Tracy Herr
June 4, 2025
Howard never forget you and Grace helping me when my mom passed . I truly believe that earth Angel´s are here and that is a beautiful thing to have . My thoughts and prayers to your family , friends . RIP
Tom Bresnahan Jr.
June 2, 2025
God rest your soul Howard. You were always a very kind man and I enjoyed seeing you and June again very much last Fall. Your fishing trips with my dad and TA up in Canada were legendary. You will be greatly missed. Prayers for you, June, and Mike.
Tom Bresnahan Jr.
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Jennifer Gavin
May 31, 2025
I have immense respect for you, Howard. You were a shining example of strength and wisdom. Your remarkable 49-year journey in recovery inspired numerous individuals and provided invaluable support. Personally, your presence had a profound impact on my life. During my early days of sobriety, I looked forward to our daily 7am meetings. I am deeply grateful for your companionship and the guidance you offered during difficult periods. Your embodiment of hope and clear message of recovery were truly remarkable. May you rest in peace until we meet again.
Larry and Jeanne Meile
May 27, 2025
Nature lovers, indeed!
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