Obituary of William Joseph Shea

It is with great sadness that the family of William Joseph Shea announces his passing on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Saint John Regional Hospital, following a period of declining health.

Bill was a proud resident of the West Side with deep roots in the community. He was passionate about sports and played basketball, football and baseball in his youth. As an adult, he coached hockey, baseball, and basketball.  Bill’s professional career spanned over thirty years at Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd., starting as a Boilermaker and rising to the position of Superintendent. He also enjoyed working for ADT Security as a salesperson and installation technician, as well as job at Wyndham as an Accounts Supervisor prior to retirement. Bill’s faith played a significant role in his life, and he was involved with Knights of Columbus Council 8094 and served as Deputy Grand Knight in his younger years.  Bill loved horse racing, music, and boasted an impressive record collection. In his later years, he enjoyed playing cards and socializing with his neighbors at the Hillcrest Village Retirement Community.

In 1973, Bill married his first love Catherine "Casey" (Burns) Shea.  Widowed in 2001, he is survived and will be missed by their daughters Connie Shea, Katie (Paul) McRae, Carrie Shea, and grandson Bailey Leavitt. He was also a beloved uncle to many nieces, nephews, as well as sisters and brothers-in-laws who remember him with great affection.

In 2010, Bill married his second wife, Jean Osborne Shea, and warmly welcomed three stepsons: John Osborne of British Columbia, Scott (Jennifer) Osborne of Shelbourne, Ontario, and Mark (Shannon) Osborne of Quispamsis and six step-grandchildren: Meaghan, Josh, Evan, Elena, Lake, and Van before becoming a widower once again in 2023.

Bill was also predeceased by his parents, Leonard Michael and Sarah "Marie" Agnes (Breen) Shea, and his brother Danny (Paula) Shea and brother-in-law Don Mercer. He is survived by his brother Paul (Mary) Shea, two sisters, Dawn Shea and Pat (Ivan) Roy, all of Saint John.

Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. (506 634 1701). Visitation will be held on Thursday April 10, 2025, at Castle funeral home from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday April 11, 2025, at 12:00PM followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.   Friends and family are invited to a reception at the Assumption Center on Chapel Street, West Saint John following the burial.

For those who wish, donations can be made to P.R.O Kids or a charity of their choice.   P.R.O. Kids is a registered charity operated by the City of Saint John that supports children and teens allowing them to participate in sports and recreational activities they otherwise could not afford.  Online condolences may be shared at www.Castlefh.ca.