Brian James Shea passed away on April 25th, 2020 at his home in Amesbury after a heroic battle with Cancer. Brian is survived by his loving wife, Lisa O’Connell Shea, his children, Celia Shea of East Boston and Harry Shea and his future wife Katrina Kalton of Salem; His brother Chris Shea and his wife Suzanne Shea of Stuart, Florida; his sisters, Maureen Shea of Boston; Sheila Colahan and her husband Steve of Beverly; his sister-in-law, Cindy Shea of Beverly. Brian was pre-deceased by his brother Greg Shea of Beverly. Brian leaves a huge loving extended family and friends too many to count.
Brian was born and raised in Beverly, MA on March 11th, 1953 to Marianne and Jim Shea. He loved sports, played football and lacrosse for Beverly High and played in the Agganis Game his senior year. He graduated from UMass in 1975 and was a proud and active alumnus. Brian had a successful and wide-ranging career. He was the epitome of work hard, play hard and believed the golf course, not the boardroom, was the best place to close a deal.
They say the true measure of a man is in the lives they touch. Brian touched everyone he met. He had the uncanny ability to get to know people – really know and care about them. He liked to make people feel comfortable and was always looking to do whatever he could to help those around him enjoy life. Those who knew him can attest to his “check in” phone calls, which were often and lengthy. Brian was a proud man and liked to brag, but not about himself, about the ones he loved. He was extremely proud of the accomplishments of those around him and he wasn’t afraid to tell you about it.
Brian was an avid golfer. He loved the social aspect most, enjoyed the competition, and found the game humbling. On and off the course, he was most at ease with a club in hand.
Brian had a love for newspapers which started with his father, Jim Shea who was the Editor of the Salem Evening News in the 60’s and 70’s. He started every day with 2 or 3 papers, and had very a deep understanding and strong opinions of what was going on at the local, national and global level.
Brian had a passion for food. Those who have dined with him over the years knew he had a habit of large restaurant or takeout orders. In addition to multiple appetizers, Brian loved ordering an entree (or 2) “for the table.”
It’s normally a cliché to say that someone was larger than life, but Brian truly was. He loved his huge family, his wonderful friends, golf, Plaice Cove, his career, newspapers, sports, politics, music, food, red wine, his dock, long walks, his errands, the fishing trip, Presidents weekend and the ocean. He will be missed.
Brian’s family would like to thank the staff of Brigham and Womens, Spaulding Rehab, Dana Farber and Mass General for their outstanding compassion and care.
The arrangements are by the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers The Brian Shea Scholarship Fund is being established for UMass Amherst students. For more info contact Celia.e.shea@gmail.com. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com
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Tom Cavanaugh says
April 29, 2020 at 11:16 amFrom all the Cavanaugh’s – Melanie, Reilly, Mac, Gigi and Tom – we want to express our sorrow for your loss. We always enjoyed the time spent with your dad …which was mostly on or near a baseball field or golf course. I know we have fond memories and are sure you have them in spades. While he left way too soon …he left the world a better place for all who knew him. Love the picture with his smile and hat …and grateful to have spent time with him. All our love to you and your family.
Tom and Mary Grant says
April 29, 2020 at 11:44 amWe are so sorry to see this in the paper today. It was a wonderful notice and certainly conveyed they warmth evident to those who knew him. We want to express our condolences to all of Brian’s family.
Mary and Tom Grant
Tom McCabe says
April 30, 2020 at 1:12 amDear Lisa, Sheila and Steve, Chris and Suzanne and Maureen,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Brian. I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed Brian’s company over the years. His personality was larger than life and I still remember the day I met him when he came to check on Greg at our apartment at BC. I always enjoyed playing in golf events with him and seeing him at No. Shore business events.
Hit them long and straight Brian RIP
Best,
Tommy
Germaine Ouellette says
April 30, 2020 at 3:00 pmDear Lisa and family,
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved husband and father. He was a wonderful, caring man who will be greatly missed. Please accept our condolences and know that you and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. Ron & Geri Ouellette
Gary Larrabee says
April 30, 2020 at 3:42 pmBrian was a special member of the Shea clan I was privileged to know dating back to when patriarch Jim hired me at The Salem News in 1971. Yet another fine member of the Shea clan we have lost.
Marilyn Moore says
May 1, 2020 at 5:47 pmDear Lisa, Harry and Celia, Please know how very sorry I am to learn of Brian’s passing. He was warm, caring and welcoming to anyone who came into the house. He was passionate in making snacks for everyone who came by. Above all, he was a man who truly adored his wife and family. Brian Shea will forever be missed.
Scott James says
May 12, 2020 at 2:49 pmSo very sorry for your loss. Brian was the “kid we wanted to be like” of my neighborhood in Beverly. His family were the kindest neighbors you could ask for. Peace be with you and your family