Terence James Shea

Terence James Shea, known as Terry to his many friends and Pops to the children and grandchildren who adored him, died of cancer on July 27 at Goodwin House in Alexandria, surrounded by loving family and friends, just days after celebrating his 93rd birthday. He faced his final days with his customary gusto, good humor, and love of life. Mr. Shea earned a record number of commendations and awards over the course of a 50+-year career at the U.S. Department of State before fully retiring with uncommon distinction at age 91. As a career Senior Foreign Service Officer, he served in many roles, from traveling around the world with foreign dignitaries to serving in the Carter White House to being the Acting Inspector General at USIA, to being appointed the director of security for all NATO nations in Brussels from 1979 to 1988. He was born in Newport, RI on July 21, 1928, to James Shea and the former Mary Johnson. He studied at the Portsmouth Priory in Portsmouth, RI, then graduated from Georgetown University in 1952. He spent two years studying at The Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF). Mr. Shea enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and served in Japan during World War II. He met the love of his life, Maureen Scanlon Shea, when she was a George Washington University student and a lifeguard at the Volta Street pool in Georgetown. The pair married in 1954, and remained devoted to each other for the next 67 years. They settled in Annandale, Virginia to raise their four children. Despite his dedication to an always-challenging career, Mr. Shea was unwaveringly devoted to his children and grandchildren and deeply involved in all aspects of their lives. He was a fan of poetry, especially that of the Irish poet Seamus Heaney. Mr. Shea also enjoyed music, literature, film, politics, sports (he was a Washington Football Team season ticket holder since the 1960's and go Red Sox and Nats!), and oysters. He was an avid tennis player and lap swimmer and enjoyed teaching English as a foreign language (although this resulted in his students speaking with a Rhode Island accent). He enthusiastically shared his passions with his family. Though Mr. Shea enjoyed an illustrious career with the Department of State, what mattered most to him was family; they always knew they were totally loved by their Pops. In addition to his wife, Maureen, Mr. Shea leaves two daughters, Mary Hayes Shea of Hull, MA, and Stephanie Shea of Arlington, VA, and son Andrew Shea and daughter-in-law Bellina Kweskin of Tustin, CA, plus 7 grandchildren who cherished their Pops beyond words: Colton Dwyer, Levi Dwyer, Dylan Shea, Guthrie Shea, Hayes O’Connor, Sheridan O’Connor, and Quinn O’Connor. He also leaves his brother Barry Shea and his wife Janet of Rhode Island, his brother- and sister-in-law Terrence and Judy Scanlon of Delaware, as well as many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his son, Christopher Shea, in 2010. Mr. Shea will be interred in Oak Hill Cemetery. A celebration of his life is planned for the fall. May the memory of Terence James Shea always be a blessing.