(Paid obituary)
William J. Shea, 59, of Haverhill, passed away Friday, May 31, 2019 at his residence. William was born in Haverhill, MA, December 12, 1959, the son of Georgia (Chagaris) and the late Robert C. Shea. He was a lifelong resident of Haverhill and a graduate of Whittier Trade School.
William proudly enlisted in the United States Navy immediately after graduation. He honorably served his nation for 24 years retiring with the rank of Senior-Chief Petty Officer. William was a member and past Commander of VFW Lorraine Post 29 in Haverhill and a member of AMVETS 147, also in Haverhill. In his spare time, William enjoyed fishing, golfing and time with family and close friends. He devoted much of his efforts to helping local veterans and supporting causes and organizations that work with veterans of The United States Armed Forces. William will be dearly missed by his family and friends and leaves behind an honorable legacy of service.
William is survived by his mother, Georgia Shea of Haverhill, six siblings, Virginia Kukene and husband Gerald of Haverhill, Michael Shea of Atkinson, NH, Catherine Lavallee Shea of Haverhill, Robert Shea, Jr. of Haverhill, Margaret Nicholson and husband Michael of Raymond, NH and Melissa Mazzola and husband Michael of Plaistow, NH. He also leaves behind his Aunt, Barbara Makowski of Henderson, NV, many nieces, nephews and dear friends who will always cherish his memory. He was pre-deceased by two sisters, Deborah Shea and Patricia Shea.
A celebration of William’s life will take place Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 1:00 PM at The Grondin-Carnevale Funeral Home 129 Kenoza Ave. Haverhill, MA 01830. Burial is private. The family kindly request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. For directions or online condolences please visit www.GrondinCarnevale.com.