Joseph Donald Shea Jr.

SHEA, Joseph Donald, “Don,” long-time resident of Valrico, FL, passed away on Saturday, October 10th, 2020, at age 73. Don was born in Tampa, FL to parents, Joseph and Ann Shea. He graduated from Jesuit High School in 1965. Following graduation, Don attended college at the University of South Florida. While attending USF he was drafted to the United States Army to serve in Vietnam. Don married the love of his life, JoAnn Diaz, in 1970.

In his younger days, Don owned Shea’s Pharmacy and Liquor Store in Tampa, a family business since 1927. Throughout his time there, he worked alongside his father, his eldest daughter, Juanna, and youngest daughter, Donna, among many other family members. When he wasn’t running the store, he could be found on his boat sailing on the waters of Tampa Bay or attending a Bucs game at Tampa Stadium where he was a season ticket holder for many years. Don loved his annual trip to Sebring for race weekend with the guys. He also enjoyed many long weekends at his family’s property at the Suwannee River where cold beers were cracked by the campfire, and stories were not only told, but made. Don enjoyed the company of his best friends, sons-in-law, grandsons and his nephew when they’d go up for a guys trip.

Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He attended every recital, concert, sporting event, homecoming court and graduation. He enjoyed vacationing on St. Pete beach every year with his family. He would hang back in the room blaring the news or could be found watching the sunset from the bar- just happy to be around everyone. Don was an excellent cook and had a taste for steak. He enjoyed his quiet nights at home with his wife, but the door was always open. All the kids had a key to the house and were welcomed at any time for a meal, a place to sleep or just spend time. Don was that type of “Dad,” as everyone in the family called him, he was selfless and there for you. The only requirement was mastering how to talk over the TV.

Most recently, Don worked as Director and Contract Administrator for the North Tampa Housing Development Corporation. He was dedicated to his work and made a lasting impression on so many people he worked with. Don was known for making everyone in the office smile, whether it be with his genuine care and concern for others, his humor or his kind presence, he brought happiness. He truly cared about his work family. Don’s involvement with affordable housing in Tampa began with a mentorship in college and he was dedicated to making it his life long career ever since.

Don is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 50 years, JoAnn Diaz Shea; his daughters, Juanna Shea Noriega and husband, Albert, Donna Shea Denhoff and husband, Aaron, and Terri Roper Redmon and husband, Lonnie; his grandchildren, Erica Noriega Lawrence and husband, Wesley, Andrea Noriega, Adam Noriega and wife, Sarah, Shea Denhoff, AJ Denhoff, Lily Denhoff, Emily and Grace Redmon; his great-grandson, Rex Joseph Lawrence; his sister, Joanne Shea Spencer; his sister-in-law, Dahlia Diaz Fernandez and husband, Ronnie; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Don was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother-in-law, Timothy Spencer.

Due to the current pandemic, no services will be held. The family has chosen to hold small, private memorials.

His family asks that if you’d like to make a donation on his behalf, please do so to the Wounded Warriors Family Support. Don was a proud Veteran that valued his family above all else. Providing a wonderful and comfortable life for them was important to him, as would aiding the families of fallen soldiers.
 https://www.wwfs.org/donate/