Richard J. Shea, 81, of Auburn, died Friday in UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester after a period of declining health.

     A man devoted to his family and his faith, survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Winifred M. (Scott) Shea, and their children; Richard J. Shea of Webster, Deacon William S. Shea and his wife Miriam of Charlton, Kevin J. Shea and his wife Patricia of Turnersville, NJ, Kathryn M. Bisceglia and her husband Albert of Holden, Patricia E. Neale and her husband Francis of Leicester, and Garry J. Shea of Auburn and his close companion Anna K. Wong and, his loving grandchildren; Kathleen and Michael Shea of Charlton, Kirsten and Brianna Shea of Turnersville, NJ, Alyson Bisceglia of Holden, Jillian, Amanda, Jessica and Kristyn Neale of Leicester, Brett, Ryen, and Summer Shea, of Pomfret, CT. Richard is predeceased by a grandson Daniel Shea, of Turnersville, NJ. Other members of his family include; sisters Carole McGurl of S. Portland, ME and Karen Shea of Brookfield, and his brothers and sisters-in-law; Walter Biggins, Robert Towne, Mary & Rita Shea, George Scott, Barbara Cammuso, Paul & Kathy Scott, Donald & Bernadette Scott, Joseph & Bonnie Scott, and many nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his brothers Joseph, John, David and Gerald and sisters Anne Marie Biggins and Jean Towne.

     Richard was born in Worcester. He was the son of the late John L., and Ina M. (Hendrickson) Shea. Richard was educated in Worcester schools; he graduated from South High, and Worcester Jr. College.

     A Korean War Veteran, Mr. Shea served his country proudly as a member of the US Army, Military Police.

     Richard worked as Superintendent of Meter Testing for the former New England Power Services for nearly 40 years.

     Mr. Shea was active in local affairs; he coached Auburn Little League and served as the Treasurer for the Woodland Water District. In his spare time he enjoyed watching the Patriots and solving crossword puzzles, and travels with Win and Jean, and Bob Towne.

     The Shea family would like to extend special thanks to: Barbara Burton, Joan Ferraro, and Lucy Kingara for the care and compassion they showed to Richard.

     Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours from 4-7 PM on Monday May 19, 2014 in the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street in Auburn. His funeral will be held from the funeral home with a Mass celebrated at 10 AM in Saint Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street North in Auburn, Tuesday, May 20. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

     In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Saint Josephs’ Church Building Fund, 189 Oxford Street North, Auburn, MA 01501 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.