Thomas Shea
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Thomas Martin Shea passed away on May 9th, 2022. He was 68 years old. Tom was an unceasingly devoted and doting husband, a powerfully supportive and loving father, a thoughtful and fun-loving brother, a tender and attentive son, and a generous and caring friend to all who knew him. He was always the life of the party. Whether kicking his leg over his head on the dance floor, or captivating a dinner party with his stories and quick wit, he never shied away from a chance to make people smile. In true Tom fashion, he wrote his own obituary, which we felt captured his spirit perfectly and is shared below:
Well -apparently, I have passed away. I knew that would happen someday, I just didn't expect it that particular day. At least I don't have to move because I've been living in a slice of heaven since 1987.
It all began in Springfield, Mass. On July 25,1953. A smallish boy with a full head of curly carrot red hair -the baby brother to Maureen & Barbara, and the sole son of Tom & Mary Shea. Records indicate that the first bakers' dozen years in Westfield were spent proving he was the victim of following behind Mother Moe (the nurse) and Li'l Barbie (the perpetually cute one), -receiving daily warnings to "stay outta trouble," because they "always will remember the fat kid with red hair"! According to Mary... The next 13 years were spent in Cincinnati, Ohio -where adolescence wasn't a great experience. Playing football and lifting weights helped turn fat to well, less fat... but the red hair still caused "issues". Singing in a band made singing a lifelong joy -but shoulder length red hair generated a little parental disappointment. Graduating XU led to a real job & a haircut... (which ended all family conflict)- and a love of the retail business. That industry took him around the world & allowed him to befriend great folks!
Chasing opportunity led Tom to Florida where he met the love of his life, Janice. On Nov 14,1987 they married, and Tom has lived in a little bit of heaven ever since. Everything in Tom's life was about Janice. Their two kids -TJ and Anna meant everything to them both. The power of being responsible for & having an impact on the well-being of this family was everything to Tom. He hated failing but loved trying & kept trying. Made some good choices, some not-so good, but always chased opportunities for the benefit of his family. Tom did not age gracefully-but he did age. His family loved him completely-but hated his predictability! The answer to all questions was always a lightning-fast NO, followed a few minutes later by "well ok" ... Always. It irritated his family-but he enjoyed the predictability!
Getting a laugh or smile was critical to Tom's relationship management. He was "by God" gonna get a grin or just keep firing `till he got one. He loved God, believed in the dynamic Action of the Holy Spirit and Christin every decision. Seeing his kids grow well meant everything to Tom. He loved the kids without measure -but challenged them every clang day. That "NO first" thing didn't ever change; and the "well ok's" got more expensive as time wore on. Hope the kids knew how much he adored `em. Tom is so thankful for TJ and Anna! Both have a strong work ethic, sound character, and loving hearts. They will make great partners and parents one day. I hope they're able to choose as skillfully as I did. Janice is everything to me. She saved me! Loved me! And made me smile just about every single day since we met in `85. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Mary Shea.
He is survived by his wife, Janice; his two children, Thomas and Anna; his sister, Maureen Avery and her three children, Matt, Gina and Nick; his sister Barbara Barczak, her husband Sylvester, and their five children, Tom, Tony, Christina, Dan, and Mike; his sister-in-law Nancy French, her husband Rick, and their children Taylor and Olivia; his sister-in-law Deborah Hodge, her husband Larry, and their children Claire and Will; as well as many other loving family members.
In accordance with his wishes, Tom will be cremated, and a Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30pm on Friday, May 13 2022, at St. Mary's Church, 911 N. Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161, celebrated by Father Rafael Carballo and Deacon Stuart Neslin. A Graveside Service officiated by Deacon Stuart Neslin and inurnment in the Parish Memorial Garden will follow the Funeral Mass.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 12pm until 1:15pm in the St. Mary's Church Vestibule.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Church, for the cause of your choice at https://osvhub.com/smcrome/giving/funds.
Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, makes this announcement for the family.