Lawrence Patrick Shea

Lawrence Patrick Shea
Lawrence Patrick Shea, 86, of South Windsor, CT, and Proctorsville, VT, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at The Residence in South Windsor, surrounded by his family. Born in Fitchburg, MA, Larry was the son of the late John and Edna (Duane) Shea. He moved with his family to Hartford, CT, at the age of two and later graduated from Weaver High School, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and soccer. Larry earned his bachelor's degree from Fitchburg State University, where he continued to play baseball and soccer – his 1961 Fitchburg State baseball team had an undefeated season, and was inducted into the University's Hall of Fame in 2010. Larry went on to complete his master's degree at the University of Connecticut.
He began his teaching career as an automotive shop teacher at the Wish School in Hartford and then at Weaver High School, where he eventually became Vice Principal. In 1973 he was appointed Principal of Windsor High School, a position he held with dedication for 26 years until his retirement in 1999. In recognition of his leadership and his deep commitment to students, Larry was honored as the Connecticut High School Principal of the Year in 1997 by the Connecticut Association of Schools. Education was Larry's lifelong passion. "Mr. Shea" was a mentor, advocate, and constant source of support for the young people in his care, many of whom he considered an extension of his own family.
Outside of work, Larry embraced life and enjoyed skiing, fishing, antiquing, genealogy and traveling. A longtime member of the Mt. Snow Ski Patrol, he cherished his retirement years spent in Vermont. To quote him, "Vermont is where my heart is." His traveling included multiple trips to his beloved Ireland where he visited counties and towns of past generations. A kind and caring father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many, he will be deeply missed.
Larry is survived by his children, Lisa Shea DeLorge and her partner, Jay DeLorge, of Enfield; Timothy Shea and his partner, Gina Palermo, of Ellington; and Erin Finan and her husband, John, of Vernon. He also leaves his sister, Jacqui Roraback, and her husband, George, of Vernon; his grandchildren, Ryan and Dillon Hudson of Enfield, Braedan and Jackson Shea of Ellington, and Nolan and Ben Finan of Vernon; as well as his nephew, George Roraback III of Vernon. He was predeceased by his sister, Judith A. Shea, and by his longtime partner, Patricia Ann Pawlowicz.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor. A prayer service will follow at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be private at the family's request. To leave online condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.