Neil Edward Shea

He was born April 3, 1933 in Volga, Iowa to John Joseph Shea and Lucille Agnes (Milz) Shea. The family moved to Lime Springs where Neil attended a one-room school in Bonair, Iowa. He graduated from Cresco High School in 1951. Neil joined the Navy on May 13, 1952 and took his basic training in San Diego becoming a Corpsman. On October 20, 1956, he married Margaret Jean Reith in the Precious Blood Catholic Church in Banning, CA. They moved to Eureka, CA where Neil took nurseryman training through the VA. In 1963, they moved to Hemet, CA where Neil worked for Hemet Wholesale Nursery as a salesman, Spartan Oil as a gas truck driver and the Lypps Ranch as the best orange salesman in Valle Vista, CA.

Always enjoying the outdoors, he was happiest with a rake, shovel or fishing pole in his hands. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him for his gentleness, humor, and love of watching it rain. Neil will also be remembered for making homemade ice cream with the help of his grandchildren. During his many miles of traveling in the RV with Jean as his co-pilot, he was always on the hunt for a vanilla ice cream cone.

Neil is survived by his wife of 65 years Margaret Jean Shea. His children Linda Sims of Mission Viejo CA, Dan (Debra) of Apache Junction, AZ, Katie (Jerry) of Corona, CA, Michael (Dee) of Gilbert, AZ, Jack (Laura) of Redlands, CA.

Neil is also survived by his grandchildren Chase (Vicki), Patrick (Katie), Carly (Matt), Paul, Kyle, Nida, Nathan, Jared, Matthew and Kamilyn. Great grandchildren Trenton, Dylan, Quinn, Layla, Ella, Addison and Parker.

He is also survived by his brother Robert (Bob) of Blacksburg, VA; sister-in-law Betty Shea of Cresco, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Lucille Shea, his brothers Ken and Don Shea, his sisters Elizabeth (Betty) Schatz and Marilyn Shea, and his sisters-in-law Laurie and Mary Ann Shea.

We are grateful for the care provided by Bristol Hospice, especially Maria. A special thank you to Araseli, for her constant and compassionate care of Neil and her companionship to Jean.

Thank you also to Stephanie and Emmanuel for their excellent care of Neil.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church 26340 Soboba St. Hemet, CA on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Hemet, CA.