Joseph C. Shea

Joseph C. Shea New London- Joseph Cornelius Shea of New London departed this life peacefully on September 20, at Beechwood Manor in New London at the age of 84. He was the loving husband of Louise Shea with whom he recently celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by his fraternal twin brother, Daniel Shea of Montville and predeceased by his older brother James Shea and younger sister Mary Edgecomb. Joe was the proud father of three children whom he loved dearly; Deborah Pukas of Waterford, Joseph Shea of Wolcott, and Kerrie Mueller of Waterford and was a loving father in-law to their spouses, Milagros Limson and Fred Mueller, and partner Kim Stefanski. Five grandchildren lovingly called him Grampy and Poppy, Paul Pukas, Corey Shea, Tim Mueller and his wife Victoria, James Mueller and Michael Shea. Two Great Grandchildren, Lindsay Perkins and Kiley Pukas complete his immediate family. Joe served his country with honor and courage alongside his brother Daniel during World War II in the European theater of operations with Company C, 310th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division as a squad leader in the Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded the European Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army of Occupation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. Joe worked for Pfizer Corp. and retired in 1987 after 37 years of loyal service. Once retired, he spent many years pursuing his favorite pastimes of golf, bowling, and gardening. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He loved to read history books, especially those related to the Civil War. Many in New London will remember Joe as a passionate Little League coach. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family and helping his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren grow. You can�t talk about Joe without mentioning his love of the Boston Red Sox and how he celebrated their World Series victories. Joe will be missed but most importantly remembered for his loyal devotion to his wife, Louise, family and friends. Calling hours will be Wednesday 5 to 8 PM at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Avenue, New London. The funeral will assemble on Thursday, 9:15 AM from the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Avenue, New London and proceed to St. Mary Star of the Sea Church for a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London. Friends are invited to join the Shea family immediately following these services at the Elks Lodge, 81 Washington Street, in New London. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution in memory of Joseph C. Shea to the Masoniccare 339 Flanders Road Suite 215, Niantic, CT 06357. To view Joe�s online video tribute or to send an online condolence, please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com