George Joseph Shea

Of Natick passed away at home on Tuesday November 2, 2021 at the age of 87.

Born in Newton March 25, 1934 and raised in Wellesley. Son of the late George Aloysius Shea and Isabella (Huggard) Shea. George is survived by his wife of 45 years Priscilla (Hatch) Shea. Devoted father of Deborah (Ben Bennett) Fede of Orlando, FL, Jacqueline (Joe) Murphy of Milford, Darlene (Wayne) MacKeil of Framingham, Kevin (Heidi) Shea of Natick and Keith (Christine) Shea of Bristol, ME. Proud grandfather of Kristen Murphy of Andover, Joseph Murphy, Jr. of Natick, Amanda (Fede) Rodriguez of Millis, Vanessa Fede of Kitty Hawk, NC, Olivia (Fede) Gabrielsen of Orlando, FL, Brendan MacKeil of Millbury, Alyssa Shea of Bristol, ME, Connor Shea of Allston, Kyle Shea of Natick and Tyler Shea of Bristol, ME. Beloved great-grandfather of Mackenzie, Victoria, and Dylan Rodriguez of Millis and Acadia Shea Grieve of Andover. He is also survived by his step-children Karen Hendrickson, Judy (David) Heid, Dorathy (Brent) Harman, and Daniel Ostreicher. Brother of Kathleen Powers of Natick and the late Mary Montalo and Maureen Shea. Also survived by 7 step grandchildren, 9 step great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

George served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and National Guard until entering the Massachusetts State Police where he had a stellar career for 25 years, retiring in 1984. During his time on the State Police he developed expert photography skills which carried over the years after retirement. He always had a camera around his neck attending his children’s then grandchildren’s sporting events and recitals over the years. Always behind the lens he captured moments in time that will last forever. “Big George” as he was known to family and friends had a magnanimous larger than life personality and presence. He will be missed by all, but especially his grandchildren who were his life’s pride and joy and he rocked being their Grampie every day.

Those wishing can donate in George’s memory to the Massachusetts State Police Museum and Learning Center PO Box 319 South Grafton, MA 01560 or online at www.mspmlc.org George was station Commander at the Grafton State Police Barracks during his tenure with the State Police. Now the State Museum.

Funeral Services will be private.

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