WORCESTER" John “Jack” Shea, 81, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 in River Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lancaster.
He is survived by his loving wife of forty one years, Joanne Skowronski Shea. He also leaves his sister-in-law Paula Skowronski, niece Linette Howard, and her husband Robert, his niece and goddaughter Katherine Wainwright and his nephew Thaddeus Paul Skowronski III, all of whom he loved as his own. He also leaves his “adopted” niece and nephew, Nancy K. Hennessey and Steven J. Galkowski. He was predeceased by his cousins Ella Shea, Frances Sullivan, Sr. Mary Ambrose Shea and Uncle Pat Shea. He was born in Worcester, a son of John P. and Agnes (Ashe) Shea.
Mr. Shea attended Assumption Preparatory School and graduated from South High School. He received his associates degree from the former Worcester Jr. College. He was a long time employee of the former Worcester State Hospital where he worked as an activity director and was a chief steward of AFSCME LOCAL 137. Serving as a Corpsman with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, he was a proud member of the American Legion, Vernon Hill Post 435. After retirement, Jack worked as a funeral assistant for Dirsa Morin Funeral Homes, Inc. A longtime member of St. John Church, he volunteered in their soup kitchen while his health allowed him. Jack was a kindhearted and giving man who was proud of his Irish heritage and spending time with his family, especially sitting with his wife playing cards and listening to Irish and Polish music. He will be fondly remembered by many people whose heart he touched.
A funeral service will be held with a Mass on Friday, July 29, 2022 at 11:30am in St. John Church, 40 Temple St. A period of visitation will be in the church from 10:00am to 11:00am. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Food for the Poor, 20 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604. Henry-Dirsa Funeral Service, 33 Ward Street, Worcester is directing the funeral arrangements.