William C. Shea

William C. Shea, 87, died peacefully in Jacksonville on January 17, 2015. A well-known educator, Bill began his college education on a football scholarship at the University of Connecticut which was interrupted when he was drafted by the US Army in 1946. He served his country as a Military Policeman during the German Occupation. After being honorably discharged, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Arnold College, a Masters degree in Elementary Education from New York University and a Specialist degree in Administration from Fairfield University. Bill retired from the Norwalk (CT) Public Schools after 36 ½ years serving as a teacher and principal. He married his high school sweetheart, Jean, in 1950 and together they raised four wonderful daughters of whom they are very proud.

While in Norwalk, Bill was a charter member of the United Credit Union of Norwalk where he served as secretary, treasurer, vice president and CEO. He was chairman of the United Fund for the school system. He was an active member of Shore and Country Club where he enjoyed tennis, fishing and boating on the Shea’s Lounge.

After retirement, they relocated to Jacksonville, FL to be closer to family. Bill enjoyed his days playing golf, fishing, traveling the world and socializing with dear friends and family. He was active in many organizations and was president of the Men’s Golf Association of Hidden Hills Country Club, president of the North Florida Senior Golf Association and president of the Arlington Kiwanis. Bill volunteered at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and drove cancer patients to their treatments.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jean, and daughters, Bonnie (John) Josey, Laura (John) Christman, Kathie (Jim) O’Neil and Cindie (Don) Kaiser. He was extremely proud of his nine grandchildren Lindsay (Jason) Cliett, Gregory (Kelly) Boger, Zachary (Hamil) Christman, Tyler (Megan) Christman, Chelsea Christman, Hilary O’Neil, Sean O’Neil, Bryan Kaiser and Eric Kaiser, as well as his five great-grandsons, Brayden, Camden, Owen, Connor and Arthur.