Peter Matthew Shea 85, peacefully passed away at his home in Seminole, Florida in the presence of his son, Brian, on October 30th, 2020. He was born and raised in Hingham, Massachusetts on April 8th, 1935.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Patricia Ann Shea (Nee Beegan) and his parents, Matthew Butler and Hellen Louise Shea (nee Quinn).
He is survived by his children, Patricia Marie Finnegan, Peter Gerard Shea, and Brian Matthew Shea. his five grandchildren, and his brother, William Shea.
At a young age, he joined the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and studied at Our Lady Of Hope Mission Seminary School in Newburgh, New York where he received a B.A and M.A in both Philosophy and Theology with the intention of becoming a missionary priest. He was in the seminary for 12 years. The night before he was to take his last vow into the priesthood he felt that God was calling him in another direction and he left the seminary. He later starting courting Patricia Beegan of Bronx, New York. He asked for her hand in marriage six times before she said yes. They were married for 56 years.
He taught at St. Peter High School in Staten Island, New York, before embarking on a 25-year career with IBM. After his retirement from IBM, he returned to his love of teaching. as an adjust professor with University of South Florida, Barry University, and St. Leo College where he taught Critical Thinking, Ethics, Theology, and Philosophy for 23 years. Among his most honored teaching assignments was being the instructor of Critical Thinking and Ethics for the Marines and Soldiers on the McDill Airforce Base in Tampa, Florida.
A devoted Catholic, he was a beloved father and husband who gave all of himself to his family and friends without pause and without stipulations. A peaceful and caring man, he always looked for the best solutions to any problem. He enjoyed life and people and rarely complained. Even after having suffered three strokes in one night that left him needing full assistance in the last 20 months of his life, he would apologize if he ever found himself complaining. Through to his last day he had a smile that could light up the world.
He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Pat, from whom he had been separated for 7 months after her passing in April. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Arrangements were made under the direction of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home 7950 131st Street N., Seminole, FL 33776 / 727-391-0121.
