Donald Patrick Shea

Donald Patrick Shea was born on March 17, 1931. Whether it was the luck of the Irish or Glorious St. Patrick in his corner, Don Shea led a blessed and full life. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, the 8th child of 13 children to Mary and Martin Shea. This loving, active, fun and devout family helped shape his remarkable life.

Don began his career as a newsie at age 8 selling the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper on the streets of Philadelphia and Wildwood, NJ. He attended St. James Catholic High School where he discovered his love of football. With many football scholarships to choose from, his father won out and steered him to become a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. The Navy was not his calling, so he left and found his way to Athens, GA to play for his beloved Coach Wally Butts. He fell in love with the University of Georgia and met his wife of 44 years, Joyce Lathem Shea. He lettered in 1953, ‘54 and ‘55. Playing both ways, he started at right guard as well as noseguard and linebacker. He was the alternate captain of the 1955 team and earned many recognitions, including All-SEC honors and was named to the second-team All-American roster. He was most proud to be named to the Saturday Evening Post’s “Unsung All-American Team.” Don was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1956 but was put on waivers after breaking his foot. He then parlayed his love of the game into coaching high school for 13 years at Marist School. He treasured his time at Marist coaching football, wrestling, and baseball while putting in a full day in the classroom teaching history. Upon the arrival of a daughter, Don transitioned into the business world and spent the rest of his career at Nationwide Paper Company in sales. He was their top paper salesman for many years. It was during this time that his college basketball officiating career blossomed. Don refereed for 21 years in the Southeastern Conference and NCAA. He refereed many SEC basketball tournament finals and was the alternate official for the 1984 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game. Don continued to be active in college basketball working with his dear friend Henry Nichols on the NCAA Officiating Rules Committee. He also taught young officials in summer refereeing camps and ended his career working as an observer for the SEC and NBA. Although his sports career ended in the late ‘90s, the games, though, did not disappear, for Coach Shea now had two active grandsons to watch. He thoroughly enjoyed this extra quarter and got to watch Charlie go on to play football for Georgia Tech and Henry help win a state championship for Marist.

Don Shea’s joyous life was built on a firm faith. His encouraging spirit lives on in the many lives he touched. He was a devout Catholic who lived his faith. Don is predeceased by his wife, Joyce Lathem Shea. He is survived by his daughter Donna Shea Clark, grandson Charlie (Genevieve) Clark, grandson Henry Clark, sister Geraldine Shea, sister-in-law Diane Lathem, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to express immense gratitude to Ms. Geraldine Senior for the loving care she gave. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith. Praise be to God.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 25th, at The Cathedral of Christ the King (2699 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta, GA 30305). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation to Marist Football (3790 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 or online marist.com/giving) in memory of Coach Shea.