Peter W. Shea

On January 22, 2015 Peter Walter Shea passed away at the age of 85.
He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Teresa Shea, his brothers, Fr. Patrick Shea, Fr. Terry Shea, Fr. Louis Shea and Mr. Paul Shea, one sister Rosemary Denning, and his wife of 57 years Betty Jean Shea.
He is survived by his wife Mrs. Doris T. Shea whom he was able to spend four years with. He is also survived by his children Carolyn (John) Garayalde of California, Jeannie (John) Keith of North Carolina, Ellen Shea of Washington, Annie (Aldo) of Nevada, Terry (Randi) Shea of California, Dr. Maureen (Dr. James) Holland of Mississippi, John (Shari) Shea of Texas , Michael (Sheryl) Shea of Texas and Elizabeth Mansfield of Mississippi, 33 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Pete was born January 16, 1930 in Decatur Illinois. He lived there throughout his childhood and started his family in Decatur. He served in the US Army, stationed in California where he played basketball for the service. During the Korean War, he was called back into service and served in the Postal Unit. He and Betty lived in Chicago briefly where they added to the family. They then took the bold step of moving cross country to California with 5 small children, two in diapers. Once in California, they completed their family. Pete lived in California for nearly 30 years. They lived in Salem, Oregon for a time and in 2004, he moved to Gulfport to be near his family.
Pete had many loves, golf, puzzles, storytelling, cooking, and travel. He had three passions, the St Louis Cardinals Baseball team, his family and his faith. As a child he would take the train, often by himself to go and see the Cards. Many a family trip was centered around where and when the Cards were playing. He was able to pass this passion onto his children and grandchildren. Perhaps the only team he loved more than the Cards was the one his grandchildren happened to be on.
Pete's love of family and friends was immeasurable. He was a generous man to a fault. He had numerous ""surrogate"" children; it was not unusual to have a friend live with his family for weeks or years. He was a wonderful father and husband, but perhaps his greatest calling was that of grandfather. He showed unconditional love for all. He would get and give immense joy with his storytelling and fill the house with the laughter of children. He loved to cook for his family and made the best hash browns. He was a strong man and kept his family together with nearly yearly family reunions for the last 30 years. He was able to take his older grandchildren to New York for a special trip, and the younger ones to Disneyworld. These trips helped to cement the ties of the family and will be forever remembered as Grandpas trips.
Pete's faith in his Lord was strong. He graduated from St. Teresa Catholic High School. He felt strongly about Catholic education and sacrificed to put his children through Catholic Schools. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and St James Catholic Church, Gulfport. He was a Perpetual Eucharist Adorer at St. James, often taking multiple shifts and going in the middle of the night. It was there he met his wife Doris. She not only was a wonderful wife and companion but was able to share his devout faith. They were able to pray the rosary together, demonstrate their faith to others and help bring people to Christ.
He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. He gave all who met him love, laughter and faith.
In lieu of flowers the family would prefer donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the Kylee Shea Miracle Foundation, 9631 Carriage Hill Lane, Frisco, TX 75035.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 2, 2015 at 1:00 PM at St. James Catholic Church, Gulfport with a visitation for family and friends from 11:00 AM until the Mass. A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 12:30 PM prior to the Mass.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.