John Joseph Shea, Jr., “Jack,” of West Roxbury, MA, passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 71, following a courageous, quietly fought ten-year battle with cancer.
Loving father of Colleen Shea of West Roxbury and John J. Shea III and his wife, Caitlin, of Wilmington. Also, loving father to the late baby, Jacqueline. Beloved brother of James Shea and his wife, Catherine McMullen-Shea, of The Villages, FL; Daniel B. Shea and his wife, Karen, of Yarmouth; Chris K. Shea and his wife, Laura, of The Villages, FL; Matthew G. Shea and his wife, Katie, of West Roxbury; and the late Timothy “Ted” Shea, and late Robert V. Shea, survived by his wife, Patricia. Treasured son of the late John J. and Anna (Kelly) Shea of West Roxbury. Dear cousin of Erin Clifford of Brockton and the late Mary Clifford of Dorchester. He is also survived by many devoted nieces and nephews.
Jack was the oldest of seven Shea brothers. His brothers knew they could always turn to him for advice, find a place to stay at the family home on Park Street, or count on him to share hilarious stories of the many twists and turns of his life.
Over the years, Jack was the proud owner of many muscle cars, boats, and motorcycles, but his favorite toy was always a Harley-Davidson. He would ride for hours along Route 9 and return home talking about how amazing it was to live somewhere so beautiful. Jack also had a love for animals. He fed the birds each morning, researched new fish to add to his fish tank, and let his children have just about any pet they wanted while growing up.
Jack was also a familiar and appreciated presence in the community as the owner of Preferred Pest Control. He could always be counted on to give his customers far more information about the pests in their homes than they ever asked for.
Above all, Jack was a devoted and loving father to Colleen and John. He attended every sports game, took just as much interest in every new music release and video game as his children did, and helped organize their annual “Shea-cations” each summer. Jack made sure their home was a gathering place for countless celebrations, from Thanksgiving dinners and birthday parties to pool parties. He wanted Colleen and John to grow up with the same kinds of Park Street memories he and his brothers had cherished: a home filled with love, laughter, and plenty of antics. Jack was a protective and proud dad who taught his children to be strong, encouraged them to find work they loved, and always reminded them to have fun along the way. He gave them a childhood filled with wonderful memories.
Visiting Hours will be held at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA. 02132 on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 3-7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Theresa of Avila Church, 2078 Centre St, West Roxbury, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 11:30am. Interment Saint Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.