George A. Shea

INDIAN ORCHARD-George A. "Red" Shea, 83, of Milton Court passed away peacefully on Friday morning, April 12, 2019, at Baystate Medical Center. Red was born in Worcester on August 26, 1935, a son to the late George and Helen (Campbell) Shea. He moved to Springfield in his youth and attended local schools. Red proudly served his country in the U.S. Army with Battery C of the 268th Field Artillery battalion during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged, returning home in1956. George worked as a Machinist for Chapman Valve, Moore Drop Forge and later Package Machinery before retiring. He also did Asphalt work for many years. Red was a longtime Orchard resident, residing at the former National House where he bartended at night for several decades before retiring a second time. Not one to sit still and always wanting to keep busy, he again found work as a groundskeeper with the Springfield Housing Authority. George leaves his children; Sherri Shea and her partner Michael Mallett of Spfld., Donna Papoui of Chicopee, Timothy Shea of Spfld. and Kimberly Thibodeau and her husband Shawn of Springfield, eight grandchildren and  four great grandchildren. His former wife, Gail (Pepin) Johnson. His siblings; Michael Shea of Spencer and Elizabeth Ortona of Brimfield, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and numerous extended family members. Red was sadly predeceased by his parents, George and Helen and brothers, Mark "Billy" Shea and John "Jack" Shea.  The family asks you to join them directly at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. for the Catholic Rites of Committal and full Military honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. (Please arrive promptly by 1:50 p.m.). Donations in Red's memory may be made to the D'Amour Cancer center, 3350 Main St, Springfield, MA 01107