Patrick O’Shea

PEORIA – Patrick O'Shea, 89, of Peoria, passed away, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Bickford of Peoria.

He was born on May 19,1936, to Michael and Agnes (Naughton) O'Shea. Patrick married Eleanor Ruth Knight on September 17, 1954, in Waldorf, Maryland. She preceded him in death on August 5, 2024. He was also preceded in death by one son, Patrick.

Surviving are his sons, Michael (Linda) O'Shea of Goodfield, Kevin (Wan) O'Shea of Fairfax, Virginia, Thomas O'Shea of Goodyear, Arizona; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Rich) Hitz, Sean Patrick (Lindsay) O'Shea, Ryan O'Shea, Billy O'Shea, Sean Chancey (Bronwen) O'Shea, John O'Shea, Sirinya O'Shea, Heather Rose (Jake) O'Shea; two great grandchildren, Joshua and Jeremy; and one great-great grandchild, Katie Rose.

Patrick was born and grew up in San Francisco with two younger sisters. His parents were both Irish immigrants, so his Irish roots run deep. His dad died when he was only 11, which resulted in a troubled youth. So, he joined the Marines at only 16. He was sent to Korea and experienced much combat and was nearly killed more than once. When they found out his age, he waited until he was 17 to legally join

the Air Force, where he served with distinction for 20 years. He was on the staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for his last 6 years during Vietnam, while all four boys were finishing high school. He got his BA from Maryland and his MA from George Mason University. Then he taught high school for nearly 30 years. Many of his students still keep in touch with him. He touched many lives in a positive way. He was also a very devout Catholic, Lay Minister, and Secular Franciscan. He was a devoted husband who took great care of my mom, especially late in her life when she was not well. Mike and Kevin accompanied him on the Peoria Veterans Honor Flight last summer to Washington DC. He said it was one of the highlights of his life, since he had no reception for fighting in Korea. Everyone who knew him feels the loss. We lost a best friend as well as a dad. He is now at peace in Heaven with Mom and our brother Pat.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 20, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Morton with Father Adam Cesarek officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial of cremated remains will be at Camp Butler in Springfield at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.