Raymond E. Shea, 88, of Worcester, a proud U.S. Navy WWII veteran, passed away Saturday, July 13th, 2013 with family by his side.
     Raymond was born on August 12, 1924 in Worcester, one of three children of Ernest and Marion (Pierce) Shea. He graduated from North High School, where he stood out in basketball and was a member of the 1942 Massachusetts State Championship Team. Raymond then joined the U.S. Navy during World War II to serve his country honorably. Before his departure for duty, he met and fell in love with a beautiful neighborhood lass from 9 Rena St. On July 18, 1944 in Gainsville, Georgia, he married the love of his life Eleanor E. “Ellie” Farrell. Together they settled in the Lake View neighborhood of Worcester and raised their family. Eleanor and Ray were happily married for 55 years. “Ellie” passed away in 1999 and has been greatly missed by all.
     In 1948, Raymond accepted a job as a sales representative for Radio Electronic Sales on Chandler Street. He also worked for many years for Harrity TV on Main Street in Worcester and then as a Repair Technician for Harrity Television and Appliance before retiring in 1998. Ray also spent many hours tinkering in his cellar working on TV’s that many other repair services in the city were unable to fix. He had a great deal of patience and was a great problem solver. That certainly helped when you were bringing up four boys!
     He is survived by his four sons, William E. Shea and his wife Donna of Hubbardston, Gerald P. Shea and his wife Lorna of Auburn, Timothy J. Shea with whom he lived, Christopher R. Shea and his wife Barbara of Bennington, VT; nine grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Hughes of Millbury; and many nieces and nephews. A brother and sister predeceased him.
     Raymond was a proud member of “The Greatest Generation” and his time in the Navy. He was a member of the Henry Picard Post 234 American Legion in Northborough. His memory and wit never failed him and he could recall names, faces, dates and details as if he were an encyclopedia. This certainly helped as he continued, right up until the end to be an enthusiastic, avid card player who loved cribbage and pitch. He could be found on most nights playing cards with his many friends. His dedication and love for family and friends were extraordinary. Raymond loved to laugh, be with his family and have fun with his friends. He touched the lives of many people with his sense of humor, excellent card play and smile. Seeing his great great granddaughter Zoey Eleanor Elizabeth (named after his wife) smile for the first time will be a cherished memory.
     Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family during calling hours Tuesday, July 16th from 5 pm to 8 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 17th at 11:00 am in the funeral home. Burial with Naval honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Massachusetts MSPCA, 350 S. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.