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BORN
1932
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Shea Obituary
May 12, 1932 - April 3, 2023
A native San Franciscan, departed to his eternal rest, on April 3, 2023, beloved husband, loving brother of Ina Shea, dear son of the late Michael P. Shea and Dora C. Shea. Mike graduated from St. James School, Riordan High School (pioneer class of 1950), University of San Francisco (Class of 1954) and San Francisco State University. Winner of the Bank of America achievement award in 1950, Mike represented the past winners of the award at its 50th anniversary, during a luncheon held at the Palace Hotel in 1997.
Mike was a teacher in the San Francisco Unified School District for 36 years (Pelton and A. P. Giannini Middle School). Winner of the A. P. Giannini Distinguished Service Medal, he is fondly remembered as the "poet laureate" of A. P. Giannini. He also taught at St. James School.
A veteran of the U. S. Army, Mike served honorably in the infantry, finance corps, and chemical corps from 1955-1963 (active and reserve duty).
A loyal parishioner of St. James Church for many years, Mike served as an usher/greeter. He was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, Market St. Railway Co., Irish Georgian Society, Civil War Preservation Trust, Habitat for Humanity, and CRTA.
Friends are invited to visit Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 1:30pm - 5:00pm with the Rosary starting at 4:00pm at Driscoll's Valencia St. Serra Mortuary, 1465 Valencia St., SF, CA. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 11:00am at St. James Catholic Church, 1086 Guerrero St., San Francisco, following with entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Church, SF or Irish Georgian Society, USA., [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Shea
Sponsored by Driscoll's Valencia Street Serra Mortuary.
Judy Huey
April 21, 2023
Michael was a wonderful beloved english teacher A. P. Giannini. A true gentlemen and role model to the students and even the staff. You will be missed.
Judy Huey, Dean of Students A. P. Giannini
Joe Leach and Family ~ St. James Parish
April 11, 2023
Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life. Proverbs 22:6
Who is the one who fears the LORD?
God shows him the way he should choose.
He will abide in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
The counsel of the LORD belongs to those who fear him; and his covenant instructs them. Psalm 25
They that instruct many to justice shall shine as stars for all eternity. Dan 12:3
What more important task than to train up minds and teach the young the ways of life. A nobler workman indeed than any painter, than any sculptor or such like artist do I reckon him who possesses skill to mold well the souls of the young. St. John Chrysostom
Well done, Michael. Requiescat in Pace.
Jayne Jackowitz
April 11, 2023
Michael and Ina Shea shaped my life, and after having known them for 45 years, they were not only my dear friends, but family to me and my children. The love they both showed to us was unwavering, and I will miss our many family occasions, holidays, laughs, and tears. It goes without saying that I have lost a part of me, and will forever be in their debt. We send our love to you Ana and the rest of the Shea family who I feel I have known throughout the years. The Jackowitz Family, Jayne, Joseph, Diana, Gina, Lauren, Hans & Tim.
Marguerita O'Shea
April 11, 2023
May the Lord guide your gentle soul home Michael to rest gently in the arms of the angels.
It is with great sadfness that we learned of Michael's passing, but will always remember him with fondness for his gentleness and caring ways. I only had the pleasure of meeting Michael once in Mam and Dad's home but was struck by his gentlemanly ways and demeanour. He was always held in such high esteem by my Mam and Dad, Michael and Rose.
It reminds me of my childhood days spent in Drombohilly with my grandpaprents, Gerry and Bridie. Grandad spoke on every occasion we visited of his time spent with Michael's Dad in the goldmines of Montana and regaled us with stories of adventures and brotherly love and loyalty. They were very close and Grandad loved him very much.
In recent years, I think of Michael's remarkable generosity and thoughtfulness at restoring our great grandparents' (his grandparents) gravestone in Kilmackillogue cemetry. The beautiful Celtic cross has been restored to its former glory and stands majestically nestled between the Kerry mountains, facing the Atlantic ocean. What a wonderful tribute to his grandparents and an amazing legacy to leave- testament not only to his love for them, but indeed of how proud he was of his Irish heritage!
May the road rise to meet you, dear Mike and the wind be always at your back. May the warm sun shine gently upon your face...
I lost my lovely Dad, Michael, in December 2020, but am certain he will be at Heaven's gate to welcome Mike home and give him a céad míe fáilte and they can reminisce together in the company of all those gone before us and light the way for all of us as we journey on.
Sleep easy Michael and thank you for everything.
Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal.
Marguerita & Rose O'Shea (Dublin).xxx
Stephen O´Dowd
April 10, 2023
Michael, We will never forget your wonderful hospitality when we visited SF all those years ago and the kindness you showed every Christmas to our children. You were a true gentleman through and through. RIP Micheal. Love Stephen, Karen, Emma and Ben O´Dowd (London)
mary odowd
April 10, 2023
Farewell and God speed to Mike - who was always so kind, generous and welcoming. He had a great love for his Irish roots and was delighted to keep in touch with the Irish family and tell stories of how his father and my grandfather arrived to work in the Bute copper mines together.
I first met Mike & Ina almost 40 years ago when they greeted me as a young student arriving for a year in Berkeley. They took me out to their favourite diners- both then and many times since.
We are sad to hear you have passed Mike. The Mission won´t be the same without you. Farewell and rest peacefully. God bless, Mary, Phil and family xx
Marguerita O´Shea
April 10, 2023
May the Lord bring you safely home dear Mike to rest in the arms of the angels.
Although I only met you once Mike, I was struck by your sincerity and kind, gentle ways. I remember my Dad speaking so highly of you on so many occasions and I know Mam and Dad, Michael and Rose O´Shea of Clondalkin, Dublin held you in such high esteem always.
It is with great fondness I remember my Grandad, Gerry O´Shea of Drombohilly, Kenmare, regale all the wonderful stories of times spent with your father ,dear Mike ,in the gold mines of Montana. He spoke with love of adventures enjoyed and brotherly love and loyalty. What lovely memories to hear those stories as a young child. In recent years, I will always remember your generosity and kindness in having the old Celtic cross of my great grandparents, your grandparents,restored. It shines brightly nestled amongst the Kerry mountains and is testament to your generosity and how proud you were of your Irish heritage. How truly wonderful to know how much this lovely gesture meant to so many people.
I lost my dear lovely Dad, Michael, two years ago but am certain he will meet you at Heaven´s gate with open arms and a warm cead mile failte to welcome you home and to reminisce and share stories of family gone before us and to look down on us all and light the way.
Codladh samh Mike.
May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back...
Suaimhneas siorai I gconai.
Marguerita & Rose O´Shea. Dublin.
Carolina O'Shea
April 10, 2023
Goodbye Mike. We shall miss you so much and will never forget all your love and kindness. Carolina & Danny O'Shea
Milo O'Shea
April 10, 2023
It is with great sadness that we learned of Mike's passing - without a doubt the world has lost one of its truest gentlemen and a finer, more caring and generous man one could ever hope to meet. Mike was the epitome of old school values and strength - truly the O'Sheas of West Cork and Kerry have lost one of their last surviving chieftains and the world shall be a poorer place without him - ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. We have such fond memories of our time spent visiting Mike and Ina in San Francisco and we shall never forget the warmth, care, love and hospitality we received on France Avenue. We will deeply miss too, Mike's letters and the spirit and wisdom they contained. We take great solace though in knowing that as a teacher, Mike gave his life to imparting this same wisdom and that he had such a profound effect on so many lives; giving himself unreservedly to a life of grace and service to others - there is perhaps no greater testament to the man. Our deepest condolences to Ana and all in St. James parish - truly you have lost one of your giants. We are sorry that circumstances dictate we cannot be with you at this sad time. May Mike rest in eternal peace. With all our love and prayers from Ireland. Milo O'Shea and all the O'Shea family.
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Memorial Events
for Michael Shea
Apr
11
Visitation
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Driscoll's Valencia Street Serra Mortuary1465 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Apr
11
Rosary
4:00 p.m.
Driscoll's Valencia Street Serra Mortuary1465 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Funeral services provided by:
Driscoll's Valencia Street Serra Mortuary1465 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
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