John W. Shea Jr., "Johnny" 79, passed away Sunday evening, March 13, 2022, surrounded by his beloved daughters and their mother by his side.
He was born on October 31, 1942 in Somerville, MA to the late John W. Shea, Sr., and Edna A. (Earle) Shea. He was raised in Somerville and then moved to Tewksbury in 1956.
After graduating Tewksbury Memorial High School in 1961, he started working as a truck driver at Carolina Freight. He was then drafted into the United States Army in 1964. He first served with the American Forces in Santo Domingo where he was commended with a letter of appreciation. He was then deployed and served his country in the Vietnam War where he was part of the famous "Monsoon Express", operated by the 61st Transportation Company. He continued his service with the Army Reserves until being Honorably Discharged in 1970.
After returning home from Vietnam, he continued working at Carolina Freight/ABF Corporation for 35 years until his retirement. Throughout his career, he was a proud member of the Local 25 Teamsters Union.
Family was everything to him and his greatest joy was spending time with his 5 grandchildren. He loved working in the yard tending to his plants and flowers. He loved baseball and watching the Boston Red Sox with his daughter Erin.
He is survived by his former wife Mary Jane (Kelley) Shea of Tewksbury, three daughters Jennifer Kelley and her husband Jay of Dracut, Erin Kelleher and her husband Jim of Tewksbury, and Cori Shea of Dracut. His five cherished grandchildren Breanna, Jake, Alex, Michael, and Max. Steven Lee and Sara Krusper both of Tewksbury. His sister Elaine Rutina of Dracut and the late Peggy Rooney and Judy Lemieux. He will be missed by many relatives and friends.
On Saturday March 19,2022 all are welcome to attend his funeral Mass at St. Williams Church, 1351 Main Street Tewksbury at 12 pm. Arrangements by Tewksbury Funeral Home 1 Dewey Street Tewksbury, MA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to a veterans charity of your choice.