Earl W. Shea

“DOC”

Earl W. Shea was born in Lynn, Ma 12/4/1923 to Harold and Frances (Nockles) Shea. He was named after his Uncle, who was killed on Armistice Day in World War 1. He graduated from English High school. Baseball played a major roll in his early life, which led him to be drafted by the Chicago Cubs. He volunteered for the Army at age 19 and volunteered for the infantry even though the Army wanted him to play baseball. He felt stopping Hitler was the biggest challenge of his generation.

Earl served in the 94th Infantry Division under General Patton. He was one of 5 men left behind enemy lines when Patton retreated during the battle of the Bulge. While looking for a way out he came upon a German Panzer unit. To avoid capture he jumped from a cliff and landed in a tree. His parents were notified he was Missing in action. Patton returned to the Bulge and Earl was found stripped of his ID by the Germans and left for dead. His next recollection was waking up in a Hospital in England. He received a Purple Heart for his injuries. His unit also received a commendation for the part his unit played in the assault crossing the Sarr River making possible the drive to the Rhine River. He served in many countries in Europe during and immediately after WWII. He was challenged by the multiple atrocities of the war and not able to discuss them until many years later.

He attended Northeastern University then transferred to Burdett College and graduated with a business degree. He met and married Ann Crosby from Watertown, Ma on October 7, 1949. They had four children together and have been married for 61 years. They have seven grandchildren, one great grandson and seven grand dogs.

Mr. Shea was employed by Exxon/Mobil for 35 years, not missing one day of employment. He started at the refinery in Everett, Ma. and retired as Superintendent at the Portland Oil Terminal. He was always on hand when barges or tankers were unloading at the terminal day or night often going out with the harbor pilot to meet the ship.

He was involved in Little League in Portland and served as a coach and president for many years. He was instrumental in the redevelopment of Pedro Field after the construction of I-295 and Preble Street bypass. Mr. Shea and his wife were avid Hockey supporters and were Season tickets holders of the Mariners and Portland Pirates for 33years. Mr. Shea, even when his mobility was restricted by illness, insisted on going to as many games as he could. He was a die hard Red Sox Fan for his entire life.

He played softball into his mid 60’s; he also enjoyed playing golf at the Biddeford Saco Country Club into his early 80’s. He was also apart of the Big 20 bowling league until his illness incapacitated him. He was an avid cribbage player, playing three times a week with his buddies, until a few weeks before his death. Baseball was his passion and in turn he instilled it in his grandson and rarely missed a game for the 13 years his grandson has played. He loved supporting his other grandchildren in their many accomplishments by attending sporting events and school functions. He was an avid dog lover, on many occasions Earl would be seen driving with his co-pilot Max.

He was a communicant of Trinity Episcopal Church of Portland since 1963. Earl also was a member of the Woodford’s Club for twenty four years

Mr. Shea is survived by his wife Ann of Westbrook., A sister Marmee Temple of Atlanta, Ga. His 4 children: Deborah of Portland; Beth of Mt. Morris, NY.; Kenneth (Julie) of Ipswich, Ma.; and Carolyn Reny (Peter) of So. Portland. He his seven grand children, one great grand son, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday evening June 27 from 4 to 7PM in the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, Maine. A funeral service will be held on Monday June 28 at 12:30PM in the Trinity Episcopal Church of Portland on Forest Avenue. Interment will immediately follow at Brooklawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to Trinity Episcopal Church of Portland 580 Forest Ave. Portland 04103 or VNA Hospice 50 Foden Rd. So. Portland, Maine 04106