Tom was the loving husband of Cathleen Ann (nee Earley) O'Shea; nurturing and devoted father of Teresa Taaffe, John (Cheryl) O'Shea, Daniel (Barbie) O'Shea, and Maureen O'Shea; cherished grandpa of Caitlin (Frank) Hauler, John (Karin) Taaffe, Brendan Taaffe, Kevin Taaffe, Ryan Taaffe, Megan O'Shea, Kyle O'Shea, Braden O'Shea, Thomas O'Shea, Lauren Taaffe, Kristen O'Shea, and the late Collin Taaffe; Great-grandpa of Eliana, Juliette, and baby Hauler; dear brother-in-law of Rose Marie (the late Edward) Gorczyca and Marve (the late Joe) Earley; dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and a friend to everyone he met.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Teresa Shea, and his seven siblings.
Tom attended South Side Catholic High School Class of 1947. He earned his Juris Doctorate at St. Louis University and served honorably in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He and Cathleen were married in 1964. They raised their children in the Shaw Neighborhood where they attended St. Margaret of Scotland Church and School. Later, they moved to St. Louis Hills.
Tom was a 15th Ward Alderman for many years. He was named Probate Judge for St. Louis City and later became a Circuit Court Judge. After he retired, he remained active as a mediator in the Court of Appeals. Tom was a member of the St. Louis Missouri and American Bar Associations. He was admitted to practice in Missouri before the U.S. Court of Appeals, the 8th Circuit Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Tom was known for his kindness, humility, and his sense of humor. He always looked for the best in others and gave the best he had. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation will be Saturday, September 17 from 9:30-10:30am at Saint Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, 6047 Bishops Place 63109. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30am. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorial contributions to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Raphael's Parish or a charity of one's choice would be greatly appreciated by his family.
Please leave a favorite memory of Tom for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.
