Canadice: Tom Shea of Canadice, NY died suddenly at his home on Tuesday September 26, 2017 at the age of 68.
He was predeceased by his parents Stella & William Shea. He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 39 years Mary (Fraser) Shea; his three daughters, Jennifer Shea (Tim Hayes) of Wayland, Melissa Shea-Brooks (Stephen) of Rochester and Leah Shea (Joe Shepard) of Geneseo; and his brother, Ed (Harriet) Shea of Columbus, OH. Tom was also blessed with five grandchildren; Layla, Erin, Brennon, Emily, and Dylan. Tom will be sorely missed by his furry companions; Grady, Chloe, and Tia as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Tom spent the majority of his life as a machinist in the Rochester, NY area but his passion was with music. He toured the country with his band The Whey in the 1960’s before settling down with his family in the 1970’s. His musical talents with both guitar and drums remained strong throughout the years. His death comes as a shock as he had successfully survived an aggressive form of bladder cancer earlier this year.
There will be no prior calling hours. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 29th, 11am at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 8624 Main Street, Rte 20A, Honeoye, NY. Afterwards family and friends are invited to the Hemlock Fire Department, 7375 Al Sharpe Ave., Hemlock, NY for a celebration to honor Tom’s life. In lieu of flowers please feel free to make donations in Tom’s name to any of the following causes: The Eastman School of Music, 26 Gibbs Street, Rochester, NY 14604, The Wilmot Cancer Center, 300 E. River Road, PO Box 278996, or the Arthritis Foundation, 3300 Monroe Avenue # 319, Rochester, NY 14618. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit:
www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
To the lovely Shea women:
You all have my deepest sympathies. I have so many fond memories of “Mr. Shea”, as I used to call him. He was funny and lovable at the same time. I remember being at his and Mary’s wedding, him meeting me for lunch downtown when I worked at City Hall, him helping fix up the house on Paul Rd., and celebrating 4th of July with fireworks in Springwater.
May your own memories comfort you and keep him always in your hearts.
Tom always made me laugh! At my wedding ceremony, I looked at Tom and started laughing but tried to keep it quiet so when it was my turn to talk, I burst out laughing my “I do”. Luckily Ed didn’t leave me at the alter.
Tom was one-of-a-kind and will be missed. Unfortunately I will not be there with the family to say good-bye. My love to all.
Harriet
I’m so really sorry and shocked to see the death of my first best friend starting way back when we were 4&5 years old and continuing on through many adventures. I have treasured memories of Tommy and going to wrestling matches together and movies in downtown Rochester with Ed along too sometimes. Then on to many Rock concerts through the 60s and 70s (including The Beatles in Toronto 1966!!) We somehow lost track of each other in the 80s but I have thought of him often and with great great memories. My deepest sympathies go to Ed and to you Mary and your family. I wish I could be there for the service but other obligations will keep me here in Irondequoit. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
The Ohio family is deeply saddened by the loss of our Uncle Tom. All our love to Aunt Mary and cousins Jennifer, Melissa and Leah during this difficult time.
-Laura and Waad Abbas (Matthew, Nate, Emily & Rose) and Rob Shea (Jessica)
Uncle Tom had a great sense of humor & excellent knowledge of music. I last saw him at a family reunion a few years ago, before moving to Louisville. He gave me a big hug before I left. I’m really glad he and my dad were able to speak on the phone on a consistent basis during the past year. Wish we could make it up there tomorrow. We’ll all miss you down here. Love to Aunt Mary & my cousins, J, M & L.
Oh how i remember the earlier days when you came to visit me, Anita, Aunt Issie, and Uncle Doug. It was so fun, and enjoyed listening to you play the guitar. We will miss you. RIP! Love, Waneta, Doug, Aunt Issie.
He was a man that made people laugh and feel comfortable!
I will always remember how your Uncle Tom and him would purposely get your grandfather going to a point he would grind his teeth! Your dad will be truly missed by his beautiful family, but I hope you believe in your hearts you will be together again!
Our deepest condolences , you are all in my prayers.