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Marblehead, on June 16, was a warm day with clear skies and low humidity. In other words, a perfect summer day for the seaside town. The only remarkable event that day was the much-anticipated arrival of Anthony Andrew Shea Jr. Son of Anthony Andrew Shea Sr. and Myrtle (Snow) Shea, Tony joined sisters Patricia and Elizabeth and brother David in the family home on Hawkes Street.
His childhood was spent in the “Shipyard,” engaging in typical young boy pursuits. Tony, however, was no typical child. He had ideas, a creative bent, a young person’s optimism and an enduring belief that something even more interesting was always just around the next corner. With his friend, Harry Daly, he dreamed up one business idea after another. In a town that counted a richness of raccoons, skunks and opossum, the two boys at one point considered becoming young furriers!
His interest in knowing how things work led him to Northeastern University, from which he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Following graduation, he remained in his hometown, taking a job with the Marblehead Electric Light Department, from which he retired as meter superintendent.
Well-known throughout his place of birth, he was variously called friend, raconteur and knower of all things. A voluminous reader, he added dimension to every conversation—be it about haiku, the great ocean liners or Egyptian hieroglyphics—through his encyclopedic knowledge of just about everything.
An avid athlete, he cycled and swam well into his later years, much of it competitively. Awards and trophies attest to his success, but most are gathering dust somewhere in his home; a deep humility kept him from directing attention to himself. Ever curious, Tony was always far more interested in the person with him. Perhaps this is why he was so beloved.
Beyond his physical achievements, Tony Shea was a contemplative observer of all things, among them birds. He knew many by sight and sound, but, ever curious, he wanted to know more. And so he could tell friends about the kinds of nests they built, their mating habits and their lives among the trees.
Perhaps it was his unique ability to see things others did not that led him to create, in his later years, ceramic sculptures, masks and objects of simple yet exquisite beauty. To many in Marblehead, he recently acquired the moniker Ladybug Man. When friends found in his home a jar of small ceramic ladybugs he made years ago, they made it their mission to mount them on pins and sell them on his behalf. Word spread and the cheerful red “lucky” bugs now adorn the clothing of members of Marblehead’s Wolfpack and a host of admirers.
Anthony Andrew Shea passed away at home at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, surrounded by family. Despite ongoing medical issues, Tony was able to celebrate his 90th birthday in June, in the company of family and a legion of friends, at Mission on the Bay. Transportation back and forth by the Salem Trolley was but the icing on the cake.
Tony was predeceased by his sisters Patricia and Elizabeth, his brother David, his nephews Donny Brocher and Robert Brocher and his niece Debra Price.
His nieces, Laurie Giardella, Karen Salvati, Darlene Minincleri, Jane Shea, Susan Shea and Elizabeth Duffy and his nephews David Brocher and Daniel Brocher survive him. Loved beyond words, he will be missed beyond measure by all, each of whom remember him as a father figure in their youth and a very beloved uncle, “the kindest and most good-natured person we have ever known.”
Marblehead without Tony Shea will be poorer for his loss, but will carry on richer because he lived.
Visiting Hours will be held on Friday, September 11 from 4-7 p.m. and on Saturday, September 12 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. His Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 12 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Burial at Star of the Sea Cemetery will be private at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Tony’s loved ones.
Tony Shea Obituary.pdf
