Donald B. Shea

Donald B. Shea, Colonel USAF Retired, died peacefully at the Merrimack County Nursing Home on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014 at the age of 90. Born and raised outside of Buffalo, NY, he was the son of Edward C. and Corrine Shea.

Shea was in bomber crew training when WW2 ended. He joined the AF Reserves and was recalled in 1951, flying 25 photo reconnaissance missions in the RB.29. After 2 years in air refueling KB-29s, Don flew the B-47 for 6 years. After which time, he flew 7 years in the B-52, including 55 missions over Vietnam. His final assignment was at Pease Air Force Base flying FB-111s in Wing Operations. Don Shea retired in 1974.

Don went on to work for and manage Goss Lincoln Mercury in Portsmouth, NH for 25 years. He was also an active member in the Granite State Flight 53, Order of Daedalians, the fraternal order of military pilots. After retiring a second time, Don moved to Bow in 2002.

Don Shea resided in Bow, NH for 11 years, living with his three grandchildren, Brian, Tessa and Leanna Shea, and his daughter-in-law Deborah de Moulpied. Don’s wife Anna, of 39 years, died in 1988. His first son Russell died in 2008. He is survived by his second son Dr. Brian Shea, his 6 grandchildren Maxfield, Clara, Eleanor, Brian, Tessa and Leanna, and his two daughters-in-law, Beverly Shea and Deborah de Moulpied.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main Street, in Concord. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 274 Pleasant Street, in Concord. Interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Scholarship Fund, Granite State Flight 53, Order of Daedalians, PO Box 8531, Portsmouth, NH 03802-8531 or Concord Regional VNA, 30 Pillsbury St., Concord, NH 03301.

To view an online obituary and memorial please go to www.bennettfuneral.com

Arrangements under the direction of Bennett Funeral Home, Concord, NH.