Gerald “Gerry” Shea of Newton. Born in Elmhurst, NY to Margaret T. McDerby and Gerald E. Shea, passed away peacefully on January 30th, 2025 at the age of 70 in one of his favorite places: Onset, MA. He is survived by his wife, Karen, two daughters, Emily and Meg, and his three sisters, Peggy Lockwood, Helen Murphy, and MaryEllen Geeslin. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Lois Sullivan, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He was a cherished husband, father, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many. Gerry was proudest of his family, his children, and his education. After attending Chaminade High School, Gerry went on to receive a degree in History and English from Boston College and from there earned his law degree from the University of Notre Dame. Gerry was passionate about helping others and started his career by volunteering to help underprivileged children. He continued his career in Dedham, MA as a Family Law attorney, but ultimately chose to work in the Boston DA’s office where he was a prosecutor for over thirty years. After retiring, Gerry loved to spend his time cheering on his favorite sports teams: the Boston College Eagles, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the New York Jets, and loved to listen to talk-radio and sing along with his kids to his favorite bands: The Beatles and The Kinks. Gerry loved to share his passions with his family and instilled his same appreciation for music, cooking, and reading in his daughters. Gerry made himself easy to know and rarely deviated from his strong-held beliefs which were rooted in his trust and faith in God. He cared deeply for children and found great joy in sneaking them Dum-Dum lollipops whenever he could, especially to his nephew, who he affectionately called “Tommy Knocker,” and his niece, Erin, lovingly known as “Baby.” Gerry will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, fun uncle, and dutiful friend that is loved and will be missed by all.
Visitation at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street, Wellesley on Wednesday, February 5, from 9am to 11am followed by a funeral Mass in St. Paul Church, Wellesley at 11:30am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org) or Mount Alvernia Academy located in Newton, MA.