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Michael J. O'Shea

Michael O'Shea Obituary

Michael J. O'Shea, 69, of Worcester, a longtime Professor at Assumption College, died Friday, January 19, 2007, in his home after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 37 years, Julie A. (Derry) O'Shea; his son, David O'Shea and his wife Carolyn of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and his daughter, Molly O'Shea of Worcester; a sister, Margaret "Peggy" A. O'Shea of Worcester, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a brother, David O'Shea Jr. and a sister, Marie Shortsleeve.

Michael was born in Worcester, son of David J. and Marie S. (Haubrich) O'Shea and lived in Worcester most of his life.

He was a 1954 graduate of St. John's High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Assumption College, a Master of Arts in English from Boston College and a Ph.D. in Old English from SUNY at Stonybrook.

Professor O'Shea taught in the English Dept. at Assumption College for his entire career of 43 years, retiring this past year when he was named Professor Emeritus of English.

He was a lifelong parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church.

Some of his many loves were summering on Cape Cod, visiting New York City to go to the opera, traveling to England to visit friends, great food, great wine, great company and great books.

Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, are Monday, January 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be Tuesday, January 23 from the funeral home with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery, Worcester.

The family suggests memorial donations to Pernet Family Health Center, 237 Millbury St., Worcester 01610 or to the Sts. Francis and Therese Catholic Worker House, 52 Mason St., Worcester 01610.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette on Jan. 21, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael O'Shea

17 Entries

Sandy Brown

May 11, 2020

I knew Michael when I was an undergraduate English major at Stony Brook and he was a graduate student. We were neighbors and spent many an afternoon on his deck discussing literature while imbibing beer or wine. When I decided to pursue going to medical school instead of a graduate degree in English and was looking for a summer place to take Organic Chemistry Michael suggested the University of Minnesota where he knew about an off campus fraternity house where I could stay. It worked out perfectly and I was admitted to the Medical College of Wisconsin when the course ended. He was very supportive of my changed career plans. I am so sorry to hear about his passing.

Alfred E. Housman

January 26, 2007

In memory of Michael J. O'Shea, who was well-loved and who loved well.

When he's returned I'll tell him--oh, / Dear fellow, I forgot: / Time
was you would have cared to know, / But now it matters not. //
I mourn you, and you heed not how; / Unsaid the word must stay; / Last month was time enough, but now / The news must keep for aye. // Oh, many a month before I learn / Will find me starting still, / And listening, as the days return, / For him that never will. // Strange, strange to think his blood is cold / And mine flows easy on; / And that straight look, that heart of gold, / That grace, that manhood gone. // The word unsaid will stay unsaid / Though there was much to say; / Last month was time enough: he's dead, / The news must keep for aye."
XLII from MORE POEMS

Joe Yamin

January 25, 2007

Mike O'Shea is the first and one of the most fondest of memories I have of Assumption. It was first semester, first year for his Creative Writing class.
He was inspirational, witty, patient, encouraging and a master of his subject. It was truly a pleasure and priviledge to be in his class and to have gotten to know him. All this is coming from a science major.
I will miss him and who he was to so many individuals.

Dr. Joe Yamin "70

Meagan (Foran) Willis '02

January 25, 2007

Dear Molly, I was so surprised and very saddened when I heard about your dads passing. He was a great professor (the only one that really stands out in my mind from my years at AC) and also a great person (understated). When I heard the news it was after the services (I wish I could had gone), but I just wanted you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Robin Gautreau

January 25, 2007

I was so sorry to hear of Dr. O'Shea's passing. A former English major at Assumption, I had the pleasure of having Dr. O'Shea for a few classes, it was an honor to have such a wonderful teacher. He made "Old English" come alive! My sincere condolences to the O'Shea family. (Class of '82)

Karlea Brunelle-Joiner

January 24, 2007

I was surprised to hear of Mike's passing. I thought when he retired from AC he would have many enjoyable years of retirement. I enjoyed working with him the past four years he was at AC and I know his thousands of students will miss him, as will I.

Tom Begley

January 23, 2007

It was a real shock to hear of Mike´s death especially because I was in Madrid when I received the notice. I knew Mike was gravely ill when I left earlier in the month, but somehow thought or hoped that he would go on forever. Being here brought back memories of many good times together, especially the two occasions Mike and I shared in Spain. The last one about seven years ago with Julie, and her brother John and his wife Lois. It was a real pleasure to introduce a place I loved to people who, I was sure, would come to enjoy it as much as I did. I had actually hoped that there would be more occasions to do so after Mike had retired. I am terribly sorry that I could not be in Worceste to do so personally, but would like to express my sincerest codolences to Julie, David and Caroline and Molly. You are remembered in my prayers.

Paul Cooney

January 23, 2007

To the O'Shea Family,

I am most sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in your family, friends and Church as you cope with this difficult time.

Respectfully,

PJ Cooney

Ellie Smith

January 23, 2007

As an English major at Assumption many years ago, I had many wonderful classes and many wonderful teachers, but none more enthusiastic and inspiring than Dr. Michael O'Shea. His years at the college were truly a blessing and I know he will be sorely missed. My gratitude to you, Dr. O'Shea, and my sincere condolences to your family. Ellie Smith, Class of 1980

Daniel Shea

January 23, 2007

At times like this we all look back at the times that we spent enjoying times spent. I had the honor of being in one of the last classes that Prof. O'Shea taught at Assumption. As a more senior in age student we bonded and had many wonderful conversations about life, literature and families. He is now in a better place and watching over us all. Thank You Mike for all that you taught me and shared with me.

Nancy Plasse Marchand

January 22, 2007

Dear Julie and Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. O'Shea was a class act. He truly was a gentleman and a scholar. My late husband, Dr. Maurice B. Plasse, was a good friend and colleague of Mike's for many years at Assumption College. May the two of them rest in peace.

Amy Sciannameo

January 22, 2007

To the O'Shea Family. I am so terribly sorry to hear of your loss.
As a student attending Assumption College, I had the pleasure and honor of taking many of Professor O'Shea's classes. He was a man dedicated to literature and learning, and I enjoyed his teachings which were done with such enthusiasm and passion. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Rev. Andre Dargis

January 22, 2007

Mike O'Shea was a wonderful colleague and a first-rate human being. He was a highly dedicated teacher who did all he could to assist his students in learning and in maturing. He was a true Catholic and an authentic all-Assumption person. May God welcome him home with the warmest of embraces; may God bring comfort and peace to Julie and the family.

Dan and Della Crawford

January 22, 2007

Dear Julie, David and Molly,

We grieve Mike's passing, but we thank God that all of you were part of our lives for nearly thirty years. We loved Mike's passions, his love of music and literature, his wonderful conversation, and his dedication to teaching not only his students but his colleagues and friends. What a friend he was and still is - and how blessed we were to sit on your porch on a summer's day or gather around your table for a great meal and carry on a conversation late into the night. Your hospitality always made us feel at home. We will miss his laughter, the sound of his voice, his enthusiasms - most of all, we will miss his friendship. May the angels lead you into Paradise, Mike.

Julie, David and Molly, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Steve Sherlock

January 21, 2007

I had the leasure of taking a couple of classes with Prof O'Shea. I recall a class in Irish theater in the spring semester where after the final we helped to finish a keg of Guiness. Lots of real good conversations... Mike was good for stimulating and sustaining conversation.

David Chupka

January 21, 2007

Mike was an inspiration to me and countless Assumption College graduates. His teaching style and his unique personal touch helped to shape my life since graduation over 20 years ago. God Bless you Mike and thank you for all you have meant to me. Julie, David and Molly, my personal condolences go out to you.

Kathleen (Tivnan) Imparato--AC '91

January 21, 2007

I was fortunate to have taken several of Professor O'Shea's classes at Assumption. He was a wonderful teacher! He was gifted in making the subject matter come alive whether it be Shakespeare's History Plays or Anglo Saxon Law.

Please accept my most sincere sympathies.

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