Dr. John D. Shea

He was a loving husband to Linda Robinett for 51 years (deceased) and then to Bonnie Wyllie. He adored his family: John William Shea, Alyssa, Jennifer, Christopher; Lisa Shea Hingle (Pierre), Holly, Hilary, Henry; Patricia Shea, Teresa, Melanie; Michael Shea, Madison; Dr. Daniel Shea (Susan), Lindy, Harry, Andy; Kathy Shea Plasse (Bill), Linda Rose, Shea Marie, and all his great grandchildren.

He was a graduate of Jesuit High School. He attended Tulane University from 1951-1953 and Loyola University from 1953-1957. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1957, and served on active duty as a first lieutenant and captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1957-1959. He began his private dental practice in 1959 in uptown New Orleans, where he practiced for 55 years.

As a very active leader in the dental profession, Dr. Shea held various positions within the Louisiana Dental Association, including being a member of the Continuing Education Committee, a member of the Insurance Committee, chairman of the Council on Insurance, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Purchase of Real Estate and a legislative contact dentist. He was also an active member of New Orleans Dental Association, and served in a number of capacities, such as serving as a member of the committee to establish a central office, president in 1985, and as a member of the New Orleans Dental Conference Committee, as well as the 1990 chairman. He also helped NODA establish the Victor B. Marquer Award. In addition, he served on the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry from 1970-1976 and worked to get national boards as a requirement for all applicants.

He was actively involved in his church and community. He was president of the Holy Name of Jesus St. Vincent de Paul Society and served on the St. Vincent de Paul Board of Directors for the Archdiocesan Council of New Orleans. He was a member of the Holy Name of Jesus Parish Pastoral Council and served on the Loyola University Alumni Board of Directors.

He was a member of the Krewe of Mystery and reigned as King in 1990. He also belonged to the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Because of his leadership and selflessness, Dr. Shea has received numerous honors and awards, including the Order of St. Louis Medallion from the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Honor Dentist from NODA, Fellowship in the American College of Dentists, Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. He was recognized as a Distinguished Dentist by the Louisiana Dental Association for his outstanding service to the profession of dentistry and was bestowed the title of Fellow.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6367 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA on Monday June 23, 2014 at 12:00 pm, where visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Lakelawn Cemetery. A reception will follow at Holy Name of Jesus Parish Center, 6220 LaSalle Place with parking across the street at the grade school yard.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made in his memory to Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St., New Orleans, LA 70119 or Ozanam Inn, P.O. Box 30565, New Orleans, LA 70190-0565.