John Shea

1929 - 2016

John "Jack" Shea, 87, died on December 15, 2016. He was the loving husband of Marie (Thomas) (Gutowski) Shea. John was born September 27, 1929 to Dennis and Mary Frances (Mulcahy) Shea. A native of West Hartford, John attended St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT. and St. Bernard Seminary in Rochester, NY. John was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood on May 19, 1955 by the most Rev. Henry J. O'Brien D.D, Archbishop of Hartford. He was assigned to Holy trinity Parish in Wallingford, St. Rose Parish in Woodmont and St. Jerome Parish in New Britain. He serves the community during his tenure and was known as a gifted speaker. John was instrumental in the formation of the New Britain Clergy Association. John left the priesthood and married Elaine Rashaw, a happy and loving marriage that ended with Elaine's death in 1995. John was employed by the State of Connecticut at Mattatuck Community College in Waterbury, where he was the registrar for many years. In 1996 he married Marie (Thomas) Gutowski, with whom he shared many happy years. He is survived by his wife Marie Shea, his brother, Robert D. Shea and his sister-in-law Mary Ellen Shea. He also leaves several step children, his step grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. Family and friends may gather at Our Lady of Mercy Church 94 Broad Street in Plainville on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of John's life beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. in Saint Francis Cemetery in Torrington. The Bailey Funeral Home 48 Broad Street in Plainville has care of arrangements. For additional information or to leave words of condolence please visit www.BAILEY-FUNERALHOME.com.