Obituary of Thomas J. Shea Sr.

THOMAS J. SHEA SR.

LOUDONVILLE - Thomas J. Shea Sr., 80 of Loudonville, beloved husband of Marsha J. (Gabrielsen) Shea, entered into eternal life on Saturday, June 10, 2023 with his loving family at his side.

Born on November 15, 1942, he was the son of the late Simon Wilson and Ann Marie (Keller) Shea. Tom was raised in Menands and graduated from Watervliet High School, class of 1960. He and Marsha were married on July 27, 1968 spending fifty-five cherished years together.

In his early years Tom found great joy on the football field. He enjoyed playing for his Watervliet Cannoneers and was twice named team captain. He also later played semipro football locally.  After graduating high school, Tom attended Hudson Valley Community College where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and would go on to become a Licensed Master Electrician. During his professional career he worked for Simmons Machine Tool, Bechtel Corporation on the Susquehanna Power Station and then spent the last 20 years of his career with New York Power Authority working on hydroelectric plants across New York State including Hinkley, Ashokan and Crescent-Vischer Ferry.  Tom also owned his own business, Shea Construction, for 15 years and served as a volunteer firefighter for the Menands Fire Company for many years before moving to Loudonville.     

Tom enjoyed many outdoor activities with his family including sailing at the Kaydeross Sailing Club on Saratoga Lake and downhill skiing at Jiminy Peak.  In his retirement, Tom and his wife took up golfing and joined the Edison Club in Rexford, NY.  He was also an avid vegetable gardener who came from a long line of truck farmers in the Loudonville area. He enjoyed sharing his tomatoes, garlic and basil with friends and family each summer.   Above all else, his family was his deepest and truest source of joy. He felt his greatest accomplishment in life was the education he was able to provide for his children.  Tom was a devoted family man and he will forever be loved and cherished by those he leaves behind.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Marsha, his two children TJ Shea and Erin (Richard Mercado) Shea, grandchildren Katelyn and Noah Shea and Christopher (“CAM”) Mercado, sister Shirley (Tom) Shea Hale, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents Tom is predeceased by his beloved little brother David Shea.    

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend services on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville. Visitation will take place prior to the mass from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM by Rev. Marty Fisher. Interment in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands will immediately follow the mass.

In lieu of flowers memorial donation may be made to Tom’s favorite charity the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region at https://rmhcofalbany.org/donate/.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham. For more information, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.